Although today is the closing ceremony, Bradford's year as UK City of Culture isn't quite done yet.

The BBC will broadcast Bradford Cathedral's Christmas Day service live on 25 December.

Image source, BBC/Bradford Cathedral

The Dean of Bradford, the Very Rev Andy Bowerman, told Radio Leeds the service would showcase the city's "diversity" as well as its "joy and exuberance".

A BBC spokesperson said the broadcast would feature "carols, readings and prayers from a range of cultures and languages".

Brighter Still has been billed as one of the "largest community participation events" in the programme, with more than 250 local performers involved.

Bradford residents have signed up for their big moment on the Myrtle Park stage, with 90 members of the public aged between 8 to 76 joining forces with dancers, musicians and choirs.

I'm sure the hours of graft in rehearsals will pay off!

Image source, Karol Wyszynski

We're on the final countdown to the start of the closing event - not long to go now.

Earlier we gained a sneaky glimpse behind the scenes as performers perfected their moves.

The costumes are ready and it's nearly show time!

Brighter Still will start in Myrtle Park at about 16:00, with 5,000 people expected to be watching on in Bingley.

"As dusk descends and the chill of night falls, you’ll feel magic in the air – and the warmth of thousands of Bradfordians, all here to celebrate together," organisers say.

A huge community cast of all ages will join forces with dancers, poets and choirs to bring down the curtain on Bradford 2025.

The open-air event will return for a final performance on Sunday.

Image source, Owen Humphreys

The Turner Prize, one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious arts awards, came to Bradford to mark its UK City of Culture year.

Works by the four finalists have been on display at the Cartwright Hall gallery, with the exhibition running until 22 February 2026.

The winner - announced by illusionist Steven Frayne at Bradford Grammar School - was Nnena Kalu for her "bold and compelling" sculptures and drawings.

She made history as the first artist with a learning disability to scoop the accolade.

Image source, PA Media

The government set up a UK City of Culture competition in the late 2000s, with a different city granted the title every four years.

Londonderry was the first to be granted the status in 2013, before Hull took on the mantle in 2017 and then Coventry in 2021. Bradford was then awarded the title for 2025.

The competition is distinct from the European Capital of Culture title, which is organised by the European Union. Liverpool gained this status in 2008.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Karol Wyszynski

Bradford discovered it would become UK City of Culture way back in 2022 - it fought off competition from County Durham, Wrexham and Southampton for the title.

Crowds in Bradford's City Park, who watched the announcement live on the BBC's The One Show on a big screen, reacted with jubilation as the result was shared.

Speaking at the time, Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said the title would bring "so many opportunities" for the area.

Image source, James Glossop

After a packed schedule of 5,000 events stretching across the district, this weekend sees Bradford 2025's final hurrah.

Thousands of people are heading to Myrtle Park in Bingley for Brighter Still, with organisers promising a "spectacular finale".

The action gets started after sunset and we'll have all the build-up and the show itself right here.