The Leeds Road Festival, highlighting the heart of Bradford’s Leeds Road corridor, launched in style on Sunday evening at Bradford Live with a special reception attended by 250 guests.
The event was formally opened by Imran Hussain MP.
Saleem Ahktar, co-founder of the Leeds Road Festival, said: “Sunday was a special opportunity to celebrate Leeds Road and a fitting start to our 2026 festival.
“We are blessed to have the support of so many Bradford-based organisations, and to have two food and beverage manufacturers – a sector that plays such an important role in the business community of this city, alongside such a well-respected housing provider, is a fantastic testament to the festival and the area as a whole.
“We look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of people to Bradford once again, as we shine a spotlight on this special area of the city, and the economic impact it delivers.”
The festival will continue throughout the week, with events taking place across Leeds Road and culminating in a weekend celebration at Bradford Moor Park on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16.
Backed by new supporters Incommunities, Regal Foods, and Ice Drinks, the festival aims to celebrate the diverse community and economic contributions of the area.
Regal Foods will promote the festival on its Cake Rusk packaging, reaching over 3,000 retail outlets in more than 50 countries.
Faz Ali, sales and marketing director at Regal Foods, said: “At Regal Foods, community is at the heart of everything we do.
“As a business proudly born and based in Bradford, we are passionate about supporting initiatives that bring people together, celebrate our local communities and create lasting memories.
“The Leeds Road Festival is a fantastic example of this.”
Saturday’s programme at Bradford Moor Park will feature live music, dance, and cultural performances, including Qawwali singer Wajid Ali Baghdadi, musician Tayyba Khan, and Naeem Hazarfi.
Sunday will see a diverse line-up of acts including Nach de Tapde, Plummer Drummers, Steeldrums, Wilko Wilkes, Abdullah Shahid, and headline artist Abrar Ul-Haq.
