Bradford Set to Host Festival Celebrating African and Asian Cultures

A major cultural festival celebrating African and Asian cuisines, fashion, music and entrepreneurship is set to take place in Bradford next summer.

The Festival of African and Asian Cuisines and Fashion 2026, organised by Impact Women Network CIC, will be held at Lister Park on Saturday, 4 July 2026.

The free family-friendly event aims to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate culture, community and inclusion under the theme, Multiple Cultures. Many Flavours. Endless Vibes.”

Organisers say the festival will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Africa and Asia through food, fashion, entertainment and community engagement.

Attractions will include an African and Asian Food Village, a cultural fashion runway, live cooking demonstrations, cultural dance performances, live music, arts and crafts displays, market stalls, family activities and business networking opportunities.

A key highlight of the day will be the Ghana vs Nigeria Jollof Rice Showdown, a popular culinary contest that celebrates the friendly rivalry and shared cultural connections between the two West African nations.

The festival is being led by Funmilola Peters, founder of Bradford-based Impact Women Network CIC, which supports women, families and communities through empowerment programmes, skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Organisers believe the event will help strengthen community cohesion, support local businesses and create opportunities for entrepreneurs, creatives and community organisations.

They also describe it as one of the first festivals of its kind in Yorkshire and the North of England to bring together African and Asian cultures on such a scale.

The event will run from 10am to 7pm at Lister Park, Bradford, with free admission for all visitors.