There are growing calls to bring back the Bingley Festival in time for Bradford 2025 after organizers announced that they couldn’t afford to hold the event this year. The festival, which featured performances from notable acts such as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Travis in 2023, has no firm plans for 2024.
Promoters are urging Bradford Council to help the festival return to its original home, Myrtle Park, for 2025. A meeting later today will see councillors asked to support the event.
Promoter Aaron Mellor explained that rising production costs have made it unlikely for the festival to take place this year. “We definitely need the council’s support [within the culture year] to try and reactivate this on a larger site,” Mellor stated, expressing the desire to move the summer festival back to Myrtle Park from the Bradford & Bingley Sports Club, where it has recently been held.
Mellor highlighted the economic challenges of hosting the festival on a small site, noting that the first 10,000 tickets typically cover the costs, with profits coming from additional sales.
Bingley’s Labour councillor, Marcus Dearden, emphasized the festival’s significance to the local area, saying it plays “an important role.” He is expected to ask the council during the meeting, “Will the council commit to working with local councillors and event organizers to look at options for how the event can be held again as part of our UK City of Culture year?”
The Bingley Festival has previously hosted renowned acts such as Calvin Harris, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, and local favorites Kaiser Chiefs. The council meeting is scheduled to take place at 16:00 GMT at City Hall.