Bradford families are in for a vibrant treat this school holiday as a dedicated carnival experience arrives at The Broadway, bringing six weeks of colour, creativity, and circus-themed fun to the summer break.
Running from 20th July to 31st August 2026, the retail hub will transform into a lively fairground installation complete with various interactive elements explicitly designed to keep children active and entertained while schools are out.
At the heart of the summer-long event are six themed Thursday workshops, giving young visitors a chance to learn distinct performance skills and step directly into the carnival story.
The programme launches with a Circus Skills Academy, where children can try their hand at plate spinning and juggling before taking home an official completion certificate. The following week, Clown College moves into the centre, offering playful training, lighthearted challenges, and a funny-walk competition where participants graduate with an official diploma.
In the third week, young guests step into the role of ringmaster by decorating colourful custom carnival flags to wave throughout the season. The Circus Skills Academy returns for week four, introducing diabolo tricks and beginner-level stilt-walking inside a highly safe, fully supervised environment.
Week five welcomes the Carnival Costume Studio, hosted by character Madame Magnifique, where children can design and assemble their own carnival crowns, masks, or hats. The six-week schedule then culminates in a joyful mini carnival parade, inviting the children to proudly showcase their handcrafted creations and newly acquired skills in an energetic procession around the shopping centre.
Ian Ward, General Manager at The Broadway, welcomed the summer launch: “We’re bringing a burst of carnival colour and creativity to Bradford this summer. Our six‑week programme is all about giving families memorable experiences during the school holidays, and we can’t wait to welcome children from across the city to join the fun and become part of the carnival magic.”
The entire six-week schedule is designed to inject positive energy and community spirit into the heart of the city, offering local parents a completely free, accessible, and structured way to maximise family fun over the summer holidays.
For more details regarding specific workshop times or to plan your visit, head to the official web portal at www.broadwaybradford.co.uk.
