Arabian Nights

Adventure into an intoxicating world of history, mystery and magical tales as we celebrate the wonders of the Middle East and all it has to offer.

Wrongsemble

Presents: The Genie, The Princess and The Forty Thieves

City Park Stage

Scheherazade is the weaver of 1001 tales, and she’s here to transport you on the flying carpet of imagination to the far flung worlds of wonder that live within her stories. Three tales from the Arabian Nights are brought to life for families in a flurry of music, magic and puppetry.

11.00 | 13.00 | 15.00 (30mins)

| Free

Story Weavers Workshop

City Park Stage

Fancy yourself as a storyteller? Put your skills to the test in Wrongsemble’s workshop.

Following the lead of the weaver of 1001 tales you’ll bring your very own magical stories to life.

11.30 | 13.30 | 15.30 (15mins) | Free

Arabian Desert Scene Nightlights

The Imagination Station, City Park

Be transported to a different world when you join us to make your very own magical nightlight scene. Cut, craft, colour and share your own unique style with this free, drop-in session for dreamers everywhere.

10.00-16.00 (drop in) | Free

Arabian Nights: Bejewelled Cuffs

The Imagination Station, City Park

Shine like the star that you are with these bedazzling, bejewelled cuffs. Twinkling with all the colours of the rainbow these simple, fun creations will help you transform yourself and stand out from the crowd.

10.00-16.00 (drop in) | Free

Arabian Nights: Crazy Camels

The Imagination Station, City Park

Create your own crazy camels in this fun, free arts and craft session for all ages. Design and make your own colourful, wacky friend to go on adventures with in the wild world beyond.

10.00-16.00 (drop in) | Free

Don’t forget all our other amazing children’s events for all the family, details on the following pages.

Brontë Heritage Bus Tour

Christa Ackroyd

National Science and Media Museum

Heritage Tour

8:45 - 17:00 (all day) | £35

The festival’s flagship event is back by popular demand for another foray into the world of the Brontë family. For Brontë fans, this is a truly unmissable event, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and works of Bradford’s most famous siblings.

This specially urated tour is led by broadcaster and Brontë enthusiast Christa Ackroyd and features a number of highlights. Journey by vintage coach to the Brontës’ childhood home in Thornton village and lunch (included) at Branwell Brontë’s favourite local spot, the Lord Nelson pub. All the while, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the same moors that called to Heathcliff and Cathy, as well as intriguing historical insights on the family from our knowledgeable guide and host.

The tour includes admission to the Brontë Parsonage Museum, located in the house where the sisters wrote their beloved novels, along with an exclusive talk by the museum’s knowledgeable staff.

Little Germany Heritage Tour

Nigel Grizzard

Festival Square, Peckover Street

Heritage Tour

10:00 (1 hour 30mins) | £7

Take a step back in time and see Bradford as it was during Victorian times when it was the wool capital of the world.

This walking tour of Little Germany is packed full of stories. You’ll see how the prosperous wool industry boomed in the area and get an insight into the history and heritage of what is now Bradford’s vibrant cultural quarter.

As wool merchants from all over Europe – particularly Jewish immigrants from Germany – settled in the area during the 19th century, the neighbourhood became a destination for busy commerce and stunning architecture. Many of the buildings they constructed to store their goods for export mirrored the ornate ones found in their European homelands.

Led by local historian Nigel Grizzard, this tour calls for suitable clothing and footwear as you wind through the streets filled with a history that has a little bit of Germany with a Yorkshire twist.

The Seasons Within: Womb Course

Ustadha Iffet Rafeeq

Dye House Dance Studio, Bradford College Workshop

10:00 (4 hours) | £10

Women are deeply affected by the natural rhythm of their monthly cycles. In this workshop Iffet Rafeeq will take you through a journey to help you to map your menstrual cycle like the seasons in a year.

Ustadha Iffet will help you understand your monthly pattern in fluctuating moods, energy levels, metabolism, and libido as well as offering advice on diet and lifestyle to help you live in sync with your cycle. Learning the seasons of your body is essentially unlocking your innate superpower as a woman.

In the Footsteps of the Brontës: Heritage Walk

Dr Michael Stewart

The Old Bell Chapel Heritage Tour

10:00 (5 hours) | £7

Follow in the footsteps of Yorkshire’s famous literary siblings and take a walking tour of the Brontë Stones with originator and author, Michael Stewart.

Starting at the Brontës’ birthplace in Thornton village and ending in Haworth, this is a unique opportunity to hear the story behind the written responses of Carol Ann Duffy, Kate Bush, Jackie Kay, and Jeanette Winterson to the famous literary siblings – each piece specially commissioned by Bradford Literature Festival in 2018.

Please note that this nine-mile route is roughly a five-hour trek that takes you through narrow stiles, uneven ground, hills, steps, and slippery surfaces – as well as some breathtaking scenery. Appropriate footwear is essential and please bring a packed lunch!

Meeting point: The Old Bell Chapel, Thornton. This is a linear walk that ends in Haworth. Return transport will not be provided.