Bradford Live has opened its doors for the first of several public events this summer, ahead of the official opening weekend at the end of August.

Trafalgar Events & Hospitality hosted one of the first major public events in the magnificent new Ballroom recently; a special Anniversary Gala Dinner for Impact Hub Yorkshire. This was the first time that food had been served in the Ballroom since the 1960s!

A spokesperson for Impact Hub Yorkshire, said: “Our Anniversary Gala Dinner was a night to remember, filled with amazing people, inspiring stories, laughter, and gratitude. From the delicious food to the powerful reflections on our journey, we’re so proud of what we’ve built together — and excited for what’s ahead.”

Photography: Iggy & Lime

And last week, more than 2,000 Bradford primary school pupils took to the Bradford Live stage to perform a ballet and opera inspired by their own hopes and dreams.

The children filled the newly refurbished venue to perform the new ballet and opera as part of Sing, Dance, Leap – a mass participation project for young people commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Tom Whitehead, a Bradford-born Royal Ballet dancer who returned to his hometown for the project, said: “It has been a real privilege to be able to help bring Sing, Dance, Leap to my hometown and see the impact it has had on these brilliant young people.

“I know how much I would have loved to have been involved in a project like this when I was young, so it makes it extra special to be able to give Bradford’s next generation this opportunity.”

Led by the Royal Ballet and Opera, Opera North, and Northern Ballet, the Sing, Dance, Leap project intends to help children to express how they feel about themselves, and their city, through ballet, opera, and the arts. The whole event was captured by BBC News and broadcast on the BBC News at Ten!

Photography: Chris McGuigan!