The National Science and Media Museum is calling on kind-hearted Bradford businesses to step forward this Christmas and help double the number of free cinema tickets gifted to community groups across the district.
First launched during Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, the Pictureville Presents initiative was set up to make sure nobody misses out on the simple joy of a cinema outing. Whether facing the cost of living crisis, dealing with mental health struggles, tackling social isolation, or simply lacking the confidence to visit public cultural spots, the scheme opens the doors wide to anyone who needs a lift.
Last festive season, the project handed out an impressive 555 free tickets via 21 community groups, supporting local people through vital organisations such as Bradford MIND, Horton Housing, Age UK Bradford, BD4 Community Trust, WomenZone, Connecting Roma, and Shipley Older People’s Group.
Now, museum bosses want to go even bigger for Christmas 2026, and they are hunting for a generous local business sponsor to help make it a reality.
A single £5,000 sponsorship package would immediately double the ticket allocation to more than 1,100 free passes, meaning hundreds more children, carers, and vulnerable residents can experience a warm festive film trip together at Pictureville.
The feedback from community leaders highlights just how much these outings mean. One local partner shared: “Getting out for the day, being treated with respect, having fun and getting over fear of public spaces with strangers, they loved it. The staff were fantastic and made everyone feel really welcome.”
Another community group leader said: “For many of our service users, a cinema trip is a real treat and not something they would usually be able to afford. Being able to enjoy it together, especially during the festive period, meant so much to them and created some memories.”
Sally Folkard, Head of Screen and Cultural Engagement at the National Science and Media Museum, said: “Pictureville Presents showed us that the value of a cinema visit can go far beyond the ticket itself.
“For some people, it was a rare treat they would not normally be able to afford. For others, it meant getting out of the house, spending time with other people, building confidence or simply feeling welcome somewhere new.
“We want to bring the scheme back this Christmas and open Pictureville’s doors twice as wide, but we need a Bradford business to help us do it.
“A £5,000 contribution would have a very clear and immediate impact. It would allow us to double the number of free tickets available and give hundreds more people across the district the chance to enjoy the cinema together.”
Local companies keen to back the campaign and make a genuine difference to local families this Christmas can email cinemaevents@scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk.
Charities, youth groups, and community organisations across the Bradford district that wish to register their interest in receiving tickets are also invited to contact us at the same email address.
