Happy 75th Birthday Cliffe Castle

Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley turned 75 this year and Bradford Council got together with members of the local Keighley community and Bradford 2025 to throw a big Birthday Bash to celebrate.

People were invited to Cliffe Castle Park on Saturday, 9 August, from 12pm until 6pm for a free event, which delivered a full-on family festival of fun and a celebration for the people of Keighley and beyond, who have been visiting this iconic, much-loved venue since the 1950s.

The fun was centred around the Bradford 2025 Beacon where people met the characters from STATUESQUE — a walkabout act that brought to life some of the statues found in parks around the Bradford district, including Bracewell the Dragon, the mascot of Cliffe Castle.

There was a family-friendly workshop, STATUESQUE, to make parade creations, followed by a carnival parade led by a drumming squirrel, where people showcased what they had made.

“Cliffe Castle holds a very special place in the hearts of those from Keighley and beyond.”

The celebrations continued with local Bradford Dhol drummers Punjabi Roots rocking the stage with their signature bhangra beats, and The Rock Choir bringing a party vibe with their uplifting voices and contemporary songs.

One of the UK’s most exciting new voices and Yorkshire viral music sensation ADMT (also known as Adam Taylor) also performed. He went viral last year with his song North (Have you ever been to Yorkshire?). ADMT, with his soulful sound and raw energy, stopped off at Cliffe Castle as part of his latest regional tour.

All afternoon, Cliffe Castle was alive with culture and heritage as well as food, dancing — including a Bollywood dance workshop — play activities, entertainment and art during this free event.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said:
“Cliffe Castle holds a very special place in the hearts of those from Keighley and beyond. Turning 75 during the district’s year as UK City of Culture 2025 was the perfect opportunity for people to come together and celebrate this amazing space.”

The Ere to Ear Facebook page has been collecting people’s memories of visiting the park and museum over the years. Add your story here.