Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 19/06/2026 22:34:00

A triumph of restoration in the centre of Bradford, Bradford Live occupies the former Odeon cinema on Godwin Street, a much-loved building that was saved from demolition after a long public campaign. Originally opened in 1930 as the New Victoria, the grand art deco hall once welcomed stars from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones before falling silent for more than two decades. Following a restoration costing in excess of fifty million pounds, it reopened in 2025 as a flagship live-entertainment venue. The reborn auditorium holds around three thousand eight hundred people across a flexible main floor and two tiers of balconies, with removable seating that allows it to switch between fully seated shows and standing concerts. The project carefully preserved original art deco features, balconies and foyer details while adding a new rear extension for modern staging and storage, marrying heritage character with the capabilities of a contemporary venue. Operated by a major theatre and venue company, Bradford Live is programmed for a broad mix of concerts, comedy, family shows and large-scale events, positioning it as a venue of national stature. Its reopening was timed to coincide with Bradford's year as UK City of Culture, and strong early ticket sales underlined the considerable anticipation that surrounded the return of the building to public use. Its city-centre location makes it a focal point for the regeneration of Bradford, set among shops, transport links and the wider cultural offer of a city in the midst of significant change. As one of the largest live venues in the region, it is intended to draw audiences from across Yorkshire and beyond, supporting the local economy and the city's cultural ambitions. By restoring a derelict landmark into a major modern venue, Bradford Live represents both a remarkable act of preservation and a statement of confidence in the city's future. Its combination of art deco grandeur, a flexible large-scale capacity and an ambitious programme has quickly established it as a centrepiece of cultural life in the north of England.