World Curry Festival returns to Bradford

This September is the exciting return of Bradford’s World Curry Festival, a two-week celebration of food, culture and community.

Bradford is the UK’s City of Culture 2025, with a range of exciting events being held all year round.

Founded in 2008 by Bradford’s own Zulfi Karim, the festival brings people together to celebrate heritage and inspire change.

Zulfi Karim says: “Curry is more than Britain’s favourite dish – it’s a story of migration, entrepreneurship and community. Bradford is proud to be the nation’s curry capital, and in our City of Culture year, we are celebrating not just the food on the plate, but the people and stories behind it.

The World Curry Festival is about honouring pioneers, showcasing new talent, and proving that a curry really can change the world. With the curry industry under threat, our mission is clear: Curry Forever will make sure curry is here forever.”

Beyond its cultural impact, the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), says the UK curry industry contributes over £5 billion to the economy annually and supports more than 100,000 jobs.

Running from 15th – 29th September 2025, highlights include:

On the 20th and 21st September, the brand new Darley Street Market will host live DJ sets, cooking classes and chef demonstrations

There will even be a special appearance from Chef Vivek Singh, CEO and founder of The Cinnamon Club, who opened Cinnamon Kitchen in Leeds earlier this year.

Join the Theatre of Curry from 24th–26th September, with three evenings of foodie performance.

Headlined by Dr Amir Khan, the GP TV personality known from ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain will host a special evening of food, health and conversation.

From 27th to the 28th September, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway will transform a  heritage steam train into a travelling restaurant with afternoon teas and evening dining.

Finally 29th September concludes with a closing gala dinner, making the end of World Curry Festival.

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This year’s World Curry Festival’s programme will also host men’s mental health supper clubs, to inspire open conversations over great food.

The festival hopes to encourage people to work directly with farmers and suppliers to create more local, sustainable food supply chains.

While of course, keeping the authenticity that has always been at the heart of curry culture.

Looking for more events in Yorkshire near you? Find out what’s coming up in our region.

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