A CITY centre arts venue is reopening with a packed programme of events.
Loading Bay in Bradford, a pop-up venue created by the Bradford Culture Company for the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, will host a range of live music, theatre, comedy, cabaret, dance, exhibitions and artist development opportunities.
The space, a converted warehouse, has been transformed into a multi-storey arts hub and will once again serve as a home for creativity and performance with events running from October 2026 into 2027.
Jenny Harris, Director of Programme at Bradford Culture Company, said: "We created Loading Bay last year as a place to host incredible international work, boundary pushing touring shows, a venue for contemporary music, live comedy and most importantly, a space for the region’s artists to develop, and for audiences to discover brilliant work and to have fun.
"We can’t wait to welcome people back.
"This programme reflects everything that Bradford Culture Company is; ambitious, welcoming, and rooted in our district.
"From giving young people their first experience of performing arts to supporting artists to develop new work, quality live music, family shows and exhibitions, there is something here for audiences of all ages.
"We’re excited to open the doors again and invite people to come and experience the next chapter of Loading Bay."
Awake Arise (Image: Elly Lucas)
The autumn/winter line-up features a mix of events taking place across its theatre, gallery and basement spaces.
Highlights include the Radical Joy exhibition, running from October 9 to December 20, which explores the power of street performance and public art through interactive displays, archival materials and pop-up events.
Theatre fans can catch How Soon is Now? on October 15 and 16, an indie musical set to a 90s soundtrack, while comedy lovers can enjoy Loaded Laughs on October 23, featuring MC Alex Dunlop, Ricky Balshaw and Lou Conran.
Youth Performing Arts Training will take place during the October half-term, offering free workshops in drama and performance for 11 to 17-year-olds.
Other programme highlights include contemporary dance from Taiwanese company D_Antidote Production on November 5, comedy girl-band Flat & the Curves on November 6, and global fusion band Transglobal Underground on November 20.
The venue will also continue its focus on creative development, with the six-month Make It Work mentorship scheme supporting Global Majority artists from across West Yorkshire.
Loading Bay welcomed more than 40,000 visitors during 2025 and has established itself as a vital part of Bradford’s cultural landscape.
Full event listings and ticket information are available HERE.