On this page you will find all the relevant practical information to help you plan your trip to and stay in Bradford. 

As always, don’t forget to pack lightly, but consider bringing comfortable shoes and a warm coat. Please bring your own water bottle and reusable mug. 

Please also use the IETM Forum to share your suggestions on how to minimise your footprint travelling to and during  this meeting.

You can click on the links below to jump to the desired section.

CONTENT: 

• Community guidelines
• Accessibility
• Locations: General information about the meeting venues, including accessibility
• Travel: Advice on how to get to and around the city
• Accommodation: Suggested best locations to look for accommodation
• Visas: Info on visa requirements
• Food & Drinks
• Currency: Info on exchange offices and cash dispensers
• Useful numbers
• Environmental consciousness at the meeting
• FAQs

IETM Focus meetings are unique gatherings for our peers, partners and friends from across the globe. These sessions are opportunities for us, individually and collectively, to champion and challenge our work, our opinions and our thoughts for the future.

In the spirit of inclusion, IETM is committed to creating a safe space in which all voices can be heard; and an environment in which opposing views can exist without judgement and prejudice.

To achieve this, we encourage speakers and participants to show respect when they speak and listen to others.

1. For many people in the room, English is not their native language, so please take care to speak slowly and clearly (with the use of amplification where available);
2. Use the language that the individual prefers when referring to their gender, disability, or racial identity. If you are unsure what language to use, ask respectfully;
3. Acknowledge and respect Indigenous sovereignty: Indigenous peoples have unique histories, cultures, customs and traditions that deserve respect and recognition;
4. We value diverse perspectives and encourage everyone to engage thoughtfully and respectfully in discussions, regardless of background, nationality, race, religion, gender, or personal views;
5. If a speaker or participant is using access support, please communicate directly with the individual concerned and not via their translator or support worker;
6. If a speaker or participant is using a wheelchair and the conversation lasts more than a few minutes, sit down or kneel to be on their level if you can;
7. Always ask for someone's permission before touching them or getting physically close to them;
8. When a question is asked by a participant in a session, we would ask the moderator or speaker to repeat the question before answering it;
9. Please allow all speakers and participants to complete their sentences without interruption; however, please also be mindful to allow space for many voices to be heard and for moderators to manage it;
10. Respect everybody’s right to both hold and share an opinion, listen actively to what someone is saying, and ask questions if you need clarification. Show that you value their perspective and experience.
11. Discriminatory language, personal attacks, harassment, or bullying based on identity or beliefs will not be tolerated.

Please keep in mind

• We all have knowledge, something to share, something to learn and hold valuable experiences and inputs;
• No-one is the holder of ‘the truth’;
• Respect the physical, mental and emotional boundaries of others as well as our own;
• Strive to act with positive intent and take care of each other.

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We aim to make IETM Focus Bradford as accessible as possible. 

If you have any questions about accessibility, please get in touch with us on [email protected]

In the city

AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guides for Bradford has all the information you need about the venues’ access, including hotels and guest houses, places to eat and drink, and places to visit. You can access it via these links:

Directly using AccessAble: Search | AccessAble

Through the Visit Bradford website: AccessAble Guide - Bradford

At the meeting

For this meeting, we are able to:

• Offer preferential rates for disabled participants.
• Offer free registration for your support worker - please contact [email protected] to arrange this.
• Provide an Easy Read Guide of the meeting and an accessible version of the programme, which will be sent no later than one week ahead of the meeting.
• Provide captions for all sessions of the meeting.
• Ensure that all venues hosting the day time working programme are wheelchair accessible.
• Provide a Relaxed Room for participants at the meeting's main venue.

Venue accessibility information is listed under each venue.

Artistic Programme

• To book a wheelchair space for the performance of Elmet by The Javaad Alipoor Company on 23 October, please contact the Bradford 2025 Ticketing team on + 44 (0) 1274 053100 or [email protected] 

• EXXY is BSL interpreted on Wednesday 22 October and audio description is available on Thursday 23 October.

• The Things Around Us is BSL interpreted.

• Audio description is available for The Joystick and The Reins.

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Main meeting venues 

Bradford Arts Centre (formerly known as ‘Kala Sangam Arts Centre’)

Address: Bradford Arts Centre, 1 Forster Square, Bradford, BD1 4TY

Bradford Arts Centre will be the main and daytime venue for the Focus meeting. Bradford Arts Centre (formerly known as Kala Sangam) is currently being refurbished and will be open to the public this autumn.

Bradford Arts Centre is an intercultural arts hub which aims to reflect the diversity of contemporary Britain through the work they present, the artists they support and the communities they engage. Specialising in South Asian arts and culture, most of their work takes place here in the heart of Bradford (in between Bradford Cathedral and The Broadway Shopping Centre), with a range of outreach activities extending nationally and internationally.

Accessibility: 

• Step free
• Accessible for wheelchair users
• Elevator access to all rooms
• Wheelchair adapted toilets on all floors
• Relaxed room
• Pumping room for breastfeeding parents
• Prayer room

Public transport connections:

• Bradford Forster Square train station: 0.5 km, approximately a 10 minute walk
• Please note: the venue may show on maps as Kala Sangam Arts Centre

Late Night Meeting Point -Waller’s Brewery (Sunbridge Wells)

Address: Wallers Brewery, Sunbridge Wells, BD1 1SX

Main entrance (Millergate)

How to get there: When standing in City Park, Bradford, face the Wetherspoon Pub. On the left-hand side there is an alleyway which will take you to Sunbridge Wells. Walk through the tunnel and you will arrive at Waller’s Brewery.

This entrance is accessible by wheelchair.

Alternative Entrance (Ivegate)

How to get there: Head to Ivegate, Bradford and you will see a big sign which says Sunbridge Wells. Enter the gate and take the stairs to the bottom of the building and you will arrive at Waller’s Brewery. There are 40 steps in total. 

This entrance is not accessible by wheelchair. 

Accessibility:

• Only the main entrance is wheelchair accessible.
• There is an accessible toilet which you need to use a radar key for, however there is also one behind the bar which people can use.

Public transport connections:

Bradford Interchange train Station: 0.5km, approximately a 7 minute walk

Bradford Forster  Square train Station: 0.5km, approximately a 7 minute walk

La Caverna, Pizza Restaurant (Sunbridge Wells) 

Next door to Waller’s Brewery is La Caverna, a pizza restaurant where you are able to order pizza and eat it in Waller’s Brewery.

Opening times

Wednesday: Closes at 10:00pm (Last orders at 9:45pm)

Thursday: Closes at 10:00pm (Last orders at 9:45pm)

Friday: Closes at 11:00pm (Last orders at 10:45pm) 

Artistic programme venues 

Loading Bay

Address: 1 Duke Street, Bradford, BD1 3QR 

Accessibility: 

• Step free
• Accessible for wheelchair users
• Elevator access to all rooms
• Wheelchair adapted toilets on the ground floor
• Visual story: Loading Bay: Visual Story | Bradford 2025
• To book a wheelchair space for the performance of Elmet by The Javaad Alipoor Company on 23 October, please contact the Bradford 2025 Ticketing team on + 44 (0) 1274 053100 or [email protected]

Public transport connections:

• Bradford Forster Square train station: 0.5 km, approximately a 10 minute walk

National Science and Media Museum

Address: Bradford BD1 1NQ

Accessibility:

• Access to the museum from the front of the building is via a wheelchair-accessible entrance and automatic doors.
• Accessible parking
• Car drop off directly outside the entrance
• Elevator to all floors
• Accessible toilets
• Changing places toilet
• Hearing loop
• Quiet room
• Sensory backpacks available to borrow
• Assistance animals are welcome
• Baby changing facilities
• See here for more information and to contact the museum

Public transport connections:

• Bradford Forster Square train station: 1.2 km, approximately an 18 minute walk
• See here for more details, including public transport links

Leeds Playhouse

Address: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP

Accessibility:

• Electric wheelchair accessible lifts available to all floors
• Wheelchair spaces available
• Accessible toilets
• Changing places toilet
• Family toilet cubicles
• Hearing loop
• Guide dogs and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf are welcome
• See here for more information and to contact the theatre

Public transport connections:

• Leeds train station: 1.2 km, approximately an 18 minute walk
• See here for more details, including public transport links

Howard Assembly Room

Address: 32 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU

Accessibility:

• To book a wheelchair space, please book via the Howard Assembly Room Box Office team at [email protected] or over the phone on 0113 223 3600 (phonelines open Monday–Friday, 12–6pm).
• Elevator to all floors and platform lift to the atrium
• Wheelchair accessible toilets
• All toilets are gender neutral
• Support dogs are welcome
• Virtual accessibillity tour

See here for more information and to contact the venue

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IETM is a strong advocate for rail travel, and we therefore encourage you to travel by land if you are able to.

Getting to Bradford

By train

Bradford is fairly accessible by rail from most parts of the UK. 

There are two main train stations in Bradford:

• Bradford Interchange: Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1TU
• Bradford Forster Square: Unit B Forster Square, Bradford BD1 4HY 

Both stations are approximately 0.5 kilometres from the main meeting venue (about a 10-15 minute walk at a moderate pace).

To book:

There are several different train companies operating in the UK, which serve different routes across the country. 

• National Rail Enquiries provides information about all train companies and services in the UK. Choose Bradford (All Stations) as your destination and it will select the best route from your departure station. Once you find your journey, you can click through to buy the ticket from the relevant train company.
• Please note that rail services in the UK are privatised and can therefore become very expensive if not booked in advance. Cheaper deals can sometimes be found on Trainline or Ticketsplitter for the same journey.
• Delay Repay is a system set in place where you can receive a refund if your train is delayed for a certain period of time. Due to the nature of the expensive rail tickets in the UK, we recommend that participants who travel by train keep this information to hand and utilise it if faced with a delay.

By coach

Bradford can be reached by coach using the National Express service within the UK.

Select BRADFORD, Nelson Street as your destination. The stop is in the centre of Bradford, approximately 0.6 kilometres from the main meeting venue (about a 10-15 minute walk at a moderate pace).

Car pooling 

If you choose to drive to Bradford, don’t forget to ask other participants if they want to share a ride by posting on our Forum.

• The M606 motorway is the main road route into Bradford city centre, linking up with the M1, A1 and M6 via the M62. The M606 leaves the M62 at junction 26 and comes into Bradford at the A6177 ring road. Alternatively the A650 and A658 also join the A6177 ring road.
• From the south, west or east, the most convenient route is via the M62 and then the M606.
• From the north-west, take the A629/A650 via Skipton and Keighley.
• From the north-east, take the A1 or the A19, then reach Bradford via the A59/A658 south of Harrogate.

Bradford has recently been pedestrianised therefore the city centre can be hard to navigate when driving. There are however a good number of central car parks available. The following is a list of the main multi-storey car parks:  

• The Broadway Car Park: Hall Ings, BD1 1JR 
  Opening hours: 6:00 - 1:00
  0.3 km from the main meeting venue
• Kirkgate Car Park: Godwin St, BD1 3PT 
  Opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 9.00 - 17.30; Sunday & Bank Holidays 10:30 - 16:30
  1 km from the main meeting venue

By plane

The nearest airport to Bradford is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is 12.3km to Bradford city centre.

To reach Bradford from the airport, use the Flyer bus (buses A2 and A3):

• Tickets can be booked on the website.
• Tickets cost £2.50 for a single journey and £5 for a return.
• To find the Flyer bus at Leeds Bradford Airport, go to the bus stop located directly in front of the main terminal building, and look for the dedicated bus and taxi lane marked on the road.

You can find further information about travelling between Leeds Bradford Airport and Bradford here (please note, there is no train station at the airport).

Bradford can be reached by train or coach from other UK airports (see information above).

Getting between Bradford and Leeds

According to Trainline, there are approximately 5 trains departing per hour from both Leeds to Bradford and Bradford to Leeds, starting as early as 5:10 and ending as late as 23:30. A single train ticket on the day costs around £2.73 (€3.15) and £8 (€9.17) return. We recommend you book an open return so you can take any time train of the day. 

You can find a live train schedule for the day on the National Rail website, which is updated in real time. 

Tickets can be purchased online via Trainline, where you can have a digital ticket on your phone (as a QR code sent to your email) or choose to pick them up in person at one of the machines at the train station. You can also purchase your ticket directly at the train station from one of the many machines available or at the ticket counter. There is also a free app that you can download onto your phone. You will need to create an account in order to use the app.

Trainline and most UK train stations will accept most international credit cards.

You have to scan your tickets at a barrier at the train station. Trains will often have a ticket inspector who will ask to scan your ticket again. If you have not booked a ticket you can face a heavy fine. 

You can get to Leeds via Bradford Forster Square Station and also Bradford Interchange Station. 

Taxi

A car journey is approximately 20/30 minutes and approximately £15 one way. 

Uber is the quickest and easiest way to get a taxi. 

Taxi Companies

You can also ring up a local taxi company and pre-book a taxi. These will be charged as a meter and you can pay at the end of your trip either by cash or credit/debit card. 

Your hotel reception can also help book a taxi and advise on numbers. 

Metro Taxis: 01274 733733

Pink Taxis: 01274 664040

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Hotels

Please note: The price range below is based on rates found in June 2025; IETM cannot be held responsible for fluctuations in price. 

Booking through websites such as booking.com may provide access to additional discounts. 

Leonardo Hotel Bradford

Address: 2 Thornton Road, Bradford, BD1 2DH

Approximate price per night: 58€ - 110€

Accessibility:

• Elevator access
• Rooms are available with accessible bathrooms/washrooms 
• Reception, bar and restaurant are on the ground floor  

Distance from the main meeting venue: 0.5 km, approximately a 10 min walk 

Midland Hotel

Address: Cheapside, Bradford, BD1 4HU 
Approximate price per night: 65€ - 140€
Accessibility: Free onsite parking 
Distance from the main meeting venue: 0.2 km, approximately a 5 min walk 

The Great Victoria Hotel Bradford 

Address: Bridge Street, Bradford, BD1 1JX
Approximate price per night: 83€ - 150€
Distance from the main meeting venue: 0.5 km, approximately a 10 min walk 

Share a room or host an IETM participant

Looking for someone to share a room with? Post your accommodation offer or find a bunkmate on our Forum.

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Please note that travel requirements for the UK have changed since Brexit.

• If you are from the EU, you will be required to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). It costs £16 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. You cannot get a refund after you apply. For more information visit the website.
• If you are from outside the EU, you can find information about visas on the UK government website: Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Apply for a Standard Visitor visa - GOV.UK

Arts Infopoint UK has developed a comprehensive guide to the visa entry routes available for those planning a creative visit to the UK that you can refer to here.

If you need an invitation letter to apply for a visa, please register for the meeting and contact [email protected] with the subject line ‘VISA LETTER - Your Name’. 

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IETM will provide the following during the Focus meeting:

• Free tea and coffee at Bradford Arts Centre on the mornings of 23 and 24 October.
• Light refreshments during the session Who’s There? - a caravan Connect edition on 23 October, 11.45-13.15.

We have provided below a list of suggested restaurants and cafes where you can buy lunch or dinner.

Pizza Pieces: A Bradford classic, family-run and full of heart.

BD25 Team Tip: Their wood-fired pizzas are a must-try, and their family friendly vibe makes it a great choice for casual dining.

Address: 16 Market St, Bradford, BD1 1LH

Opening Hours: 11.00-19:00 (Wed + Thurs), 20:00 (Fri)

Price Range: £5 - £10 

Falafel N’ Juice Co: Crunchy, juicy, tangy and crispy. These wraps have it all. Grab a quick lunch wrap and freshly squeezed juice here. A healthy and delicious veggie/vegan option

Address: 26 Kirkgate, Bradford, BD1 1QL

Opening Hours: 11.00-19.00

Price Range: £7 - £15

Kurumilagu Indian Kitchen (Halal): Delicious South Indian food, definitely get a dosa!

Address: Valley Point, 4 Valley Road, Bradford, BD1 4AA

Opening Hours: 12.00-20:00

Price Range: £10 - £20

Darley Street Market: This brand new market in the centre of Bradford has a range of food options.

BD25 Team Tip: Hidden in the corner of the first floor is Frikasse which serves authentic Tunisian food – try the wraps!

Address: 24 Darley Street, Bradford, BD1 3HH

Opening Hours: 9:00-21:00 (Wed + Thu), 9:00-22:00 (Fri)

Price Range: £10 - £15 

Kunafa Tea Restaurant: A middle eastern restaurant with great food and generous portions.

A favourite among the Bradford 2025 team!

Address: 150 Thornton Road, Bradford, BD1 2JH

Opening Hours: 12:00-23:00

Price Range: £10 - £20

Mr Tea: Bubble tea and food. A laid back, social vibe this place offers something for everyone.

BD25 Team Tip: Perfect spot for trying new bubble tea flavours, with plenty of options for both the adventurous and the traditional.

Address: 27 Cheapside, Bradford, BD1 4HR

Opening Hours: 12:00-20:00

Price Range: £10 - £15

Most restaurants in Bradford are open from noon until 22:00-23:00. However, the kitchen usually closes half an hour to one hour before closing, and hot meals are not normally served after 22.00. 

Tipping is optional. No specific sum is required, it depends on your satisfaction with the service and the quality of the space and the food. 

Tap water in Bradford is completely safe to drink. Some places may serve it for free when you order food or coffee. Usually, it’s not a problem if you take your own water bottle with you to the restaurant.

The currency in the UK is the pound sterling. You can check the conversion rate to your currency here. Be sure to check with your bank for any fees on exchanging money and using international currency abroad. 

Payment by card is common in the UK, including Visa and Mastercard, and American Express in select places. While some businesses only accept cards, cash is also widely accepted. 

Cash exchange bureaus around Bradford:

Name: Ramsdens
Address: Broadway shopping centre
Opening hours: 9:00-19:00

Name: Eurochange
Address: Kirkgate shopping centre
Opening hours: 9:00-17:30

Name: Cash & Cheque Direct
Address: 47 Darley Street
Opening hours: 10:30-16:30

ATMs nearest to main venue:

Name: Food Court
Address: Broadway shopping centre
Opening hours: 9:00-19:00

Name: Sainsbury’s Local
Address: Westfield, Broadway
Opening hours: N/A

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Emergency number for medical assistance, fire and police: 999

In case of emergency, the 999 emergency number allows you to call for help and get quick and vital assistance, 24 hours per day. 

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In addition to the precautions we take to make the impact of the Plenary on the environment as gentle as possible, we ask you to also contribute by following these tips:

• Switch off your computer and your smartphone when they are not in use.
• Connect to the venue’s public Wi-Fi instead of your 3G/4G data if possible.
• Avoid disposable tableware whenever possible and bring your own tote bag to shops and grocery stores.
• Sort your waste according to the instructions at the venues and throughout the city if possible. 
• Bring your own water bottle and reusable coffee mug to spare the environment the plastic and yourself the money.
• Refill your bottle. Tap water in the UK is completely safe to drink. We recommend that you fill up your water bottle in the morning at your hotel, and do refills during the day. You can do so in the bathroom at the meeting venues.

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How do I register for the meeting? 

In order to register for the meeting you must have an IETM account. 

• If you don't have one yet or are not sure if you already have one, please click here. Please note that new accounts take up to 3 working days to be approved.
• If you have forgotten your login information you can recover it here.

After logging in to your account you will be able to proceed with the registration procedure here. 

Please note that: 

• Registrations are open from 25 June for IETM members and for all disabled cultural professionals (members and non members) only.
• From 1 September, registrations will be open to non-members. 

How do I register a colleague?

If you are trying to register someone other than you for the meeting, you will first have to ensure the person has an IETM account. 

• If the person has an account,  you can log in to their account (if they forgot their login information, they can recover it here);
• If the person does not have an account, you can create one for them here (make sure you are not logged in to your IETM account). Please note that new accounts take up to 3 working days to be approved. 

After logging in to their account, you will be able to proceed with the registration procedure. 

How do I cancel my registration?

You can cancel your attendance by selecting ‘cancel my registration’ via the confirmation email you will have received when registering for the meeting.

We are expecting very high attendance, for this reasonn we encourage anyone who is unable to attend the meeting to cancel their registration. Every spot is precious, so if you are not coming, please cancel!

FEES

Do I have to pay anything else besides the registration fee?

• You will have to pay for tickets to the artistic programme.
• You will also have to cover your own accommodation, travel, subsistence and other costs. 

For IETM members: Please make sure that your membership fee is settled before your arrival at the meeting.

Can I propose a topic for a discussion?

Certainly! If you have an idea, a proposal or a suggestion please get in touch with us through our Forum. We will do our best to accommodate you. Please note however that an IETM meeting takes months and years to organise and that it is not always easy to respond positively to last minute requests.

Can I propose a performance for the artistic programme?

The artistic programme of an IETM meeting gives a snapshot of the situation of the contemporary performing arts scene in the host country. It is not a festival, but rather an overview of the achievements, tendencies and concerns of the artists in the city, country or region hosting the meeting, and is curated by our local partners. 

TRAVEL AND MOBILITY

What external mobility funding opportunities are available to potentially support my attendance at the IETM Berlin Plenary Meeting 2025?

We invite you to check out the following resources for information on mobility funding:

• On The Move (OTM) is the cultural mobility information network active in Europe and worldwide. OTM produces, together with its partners, national and regional cultural mobility funding guides.  
• Culture Moves Europe is the new, full-scale European cultural mobility scheme funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union and implemented by Goethe-Institut. 

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