First Peek Into The New Bradford Live

The new operator of Bradford Live has stated that the impressive building will be “not just a great venue for Bradford, but one for the whole of England.”

Sir Howard Panter, co-CEO of Trafalgar Entertainment, made these comments during a recent tour of the venue.

Along with co-founder Dame Rosemary Squire, he mentioned plans to host approximately 90 events at the venue in the upcoming financial year, emphasizing that despite Trafalgar’s background in theatre, live music will remain a significant focus.

During the event, the Leader of Bradford Council remarked on the venue’s historical significance to Bradford and its pivotal role in the city’s future.

Trafalgar was announced as the operator of Bradford Live last week, providing further insight into their vision for the venue at a press day on Thursday.

Guests at the event were given a tour of the venue, which is anticipated to open as early as September.

They explored not only the venue’s large auditorium, which can accommodate up to 3,500 attendees, but also various other spaces within the building.

This includes a grand ballroom that will host events and conferences, as well as several bars.

The building’s boiler room has been converted into a bar intended for comedy nights and acoustic performances.

Certain rooms within Bradford Live feature photographs from the venue’s history, alongside film posters from its cinema days and posters of famous musicians who have performed there in the past.

The building has a rich history in the city, having been constructed in the 1930s as a cinema, later becoming the Gaumont Theatre, which hosted acts like the Beatles and Rolling Stones.

It was subsequently reverted to a cinema operated by the Odeon chain, with the original auditorium split into two screens and a bingo hall.

The cinema closed in 2000 and has remained vacant since.

However, after numerous campaigns to revive the building, a group called Bradford Live took on the task of transforming it into a live music venue.

The project’s costs have escalated over the years, with Bradford Council investing £50m in the Bradford Live Project—twice the initial budget.

Last year, it was revealed that the original operators, NEC Group, had withdrawn from the venue, raising concerns about its future.

Earlier this month, the Trafalgar Group was announced as the new operator, taking on a 25-year contract.

At the press day on Thursday, Bradford Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe expressed, “This is quite an emotional day for the people of Bradford. If you’re not from Bradford, you won’t understand how much this building means to the community. It is part of the city’s social history.

“It might be where your parents met or where you went on your first date.

“It has been integral to growing up in Bradford, and we’re thrilled to demonstrate how it will continue to be part of people’s futures as well as their pasts.

“It is part of the cultural-led regeneration of Bradford.”

She highlighted other cultural projects planned for the city centre, including the Brit School North, set to open in either 2027 or 2028, and the refurbishment of Kala Sangam, which is expected to reopen as Bradford Arts Centre later this year.

Sir Howard commended the “remarkable tenacity” of everyone involved in converting the venue from a dilapidated cinema into a magnificent concert space, including the Bradford Live group. He remarked: “It is extraordinary what you have accomplished, and it will yield benefits for Bradford.

“My father was from Bradford, and I know he would be proud that I am now the guardian of one of Bradford’s great buildings.”

Regarding future performances, he stated: “We are diligently working on an events programme, and we’ve had a major comedy act express interest in performing here.

“The response we’ve received has been incredible.

“This is not just a venue for Bradford; it is a venue for the entire UK.”

“Since it was announced that we would be running the venue, our phone has been incessantly ringing with inquiries about events.”

There had been some concern that, due to Trafalgar’s background, the venue might focus more on theatre than the original Bradford Live vision.

Dame Rosemary affirmed that the intention remains to feature live bands at Bradford Live. She added that there would be a varied programme, including comedy acts and family events.

With many performers scheduling tours well in advance, the LDRS inquired whether it would take time for the venue to host regular events.

Dame Rosemary replied: “We’ll be leveraging some connections, encouraging acts to add extra dates. The fact that Bradford is a City of Culture means people are eager to come here, which will be beneficial. Until next April, we will host at least 90 events, not counting those in other areas of the building.”

Sir Howard mentioned that Trafalgar is investing “millions” in outfitting the venue, stating: “We want it to have the best sound and lighting. Our goal is for it to be the best it can be.”

He expressed openness to suggestions from local residents regarding what they would like to see at the venue, saying: “Any ideas would be very welcome. Let’s discover some fantastic local bands and comedians.”

When asked about the official opening date, Dame Rosemary stated: “Programming will commence by Autumn, but we’ll be hosting open days.”