Honk! Bradford: International street band festival

Aim: Help bring a free, joyful and colourful international street music festival to Bradford’s communities!

What is HONK! Bradford?

HONK! Bradford is a bold, joyful international street band festival taking place from 26–28 September 2025. It will bring 300 musicians from across the world, including Boston, Marseille, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Valencia and Wollongong, to perform for free in 30 communities across the Bradford District and a 'Big Honk!' in the city centre.

Think parades, puppets, workshops, costumes, drums, brass, rhythm and colour. Filling streets, parks, community centres and City Park with energy, sound and connection.

And the best bit? It’s for everyone.

Why it matters

We believe music in public spaces brings people together, breaking down barriers, boosting wellbeing, and building pride in our city.

Through workshops, free performances, and participatory activities, we’re making sure this festival reaches those who often miss out (particularly Roma, South Asian and refugee communities), and neighbourhoods that rarely see live cultural events.

Who’s behind it?

We’re the Peace Artistes, Bradford's street band who’ve been playing in communities, schools, and festivals for over 40 years. We’re working with an amazing network of local partners, international bands, artists, volunteers, and cultural leaders to bring this ambitious project to life.

We've already secured funding through Arts Council England and Bradford 2025, but we need your help to finish the job. We need another £5,000 - £10,000 to ensure the event is the best it can be, accessible to all and ensuring a great welcome to the bands who will travel to our city.

How your support will help

Your donation, no matter how small, could help us:

• Bring incredible bands to Bradford from Boston, Marseille, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Valencia and even Wollongong.
• Fund free workshops and performances in schools and community centres across the district
• Support our accessible 'Pick-Up Band' (a 100-member group of local musicians - beginners and pros!) who’ll rehearse and perform during the festival
• Ensure that we're brilliant hosts to 16 bands from the US, Australia, France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands and the UK
• Cover essential logistics like venues, sound, staging, travel and equipment
• Promote the event widely to make sure everyone knows it’s happening and feels welcome to take part

The impact

We expect over 10,000 people to experience HONK! Bradford, from schoolchildren to older adults, from new arrivals to lifelong Bradfordians.

Together, we’ll create something fun, inclusive and unforgettable, a vibrant legacy of community music, cultural pride and connection.

Join us!

This is Bradford’s festival. Help us make it something truly special.

Donate what you can, share the page, tell your friends and let’s fill the city with joy.

When we reach £2,000 on our Crowdfunder, we’ll give away a FREE gig to a local charity or community group — nominated and voted for by you! Keep an eye on our social media posts for more information.

honkbradford.com

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 15th September 2025 at 2:56pm