Weekly news update - Friday, 7 AugustExam results: support is available Receiving exam results can be an exciting but sometimes uncertain time for young people and their families. Whether you're getting A Level, GCSE, T Level or vocational qualification results this summer, SkillsHouse can help you explore your next steps, including university, college, apprenticeships, training and employment. If you're not sure what to do next, come along to the free SkillsHouse Next Steps event at Darley Street Market on Thursday 20 August, from 1pm to 4pm, and speak to qualified careers advisers. Bradford Nature season 2026 Bradford Culture Company celebrates nature in the district with a huge floral UK premiere, hundreds of instruments on the moors and artist residencies in rural spaces, building on the legacy of last year’s UK City of Culture 2025, by bringing world-class experiences to the district’s greenspaces. Celebrating the relationship between people, place and nature, the programme invites communities to experience culture beyond traditional venues, from Bradford city centre to the surrounding countryside. New Lease of Life for Keighley’s Victoria Hotel One of Keighley's most prominent historic buildings will soon be brought back into use, with work progressing well on the refurbishment of the former Victoria Hotel on Cavendish Street. The landmark 19th century building is currently undergoing a major transformation, with significant progress already made on site. Internal strip-out works have been completed, while extensive rewiring, plastering and other restoration works are now taking place as the building is prepared for its next chapter. The project has been supported by a grant from the Keighley Towns Fund, to support the scheme which will see the historic building fully refurbished to provide three commercial units on the ground floor and ten one and two-bedroom apartments across the first and second floors. Looking for free summer activities next week? Our HAF parks events continue with three more fun-filled days for children aged 5–14. - Lund Park, Keighley - Tuesday, 11 August (11am - 3pm)
- Wibsey Park - Wednesday, 12 August (11am - 3pm)
- West Park - Thursday, 13 August (11am - 3pm)
Come along and enjoy sports, inflatables, arts and crafts, dance and adventure play. No booking needed, just register on the day, then play. Children on benefits-related free school meals can get a free healthy packed lunch, while stocks last. Bantams FanZone returns to Darley Street Market The family-friendly Bantams in the Courtyard FanZone will return to Darley Street Market from this weekend for Bradford City AFC’s 2026/27 season, following a successful trial in partnership with the club last season. Mixing live music with penalty shoot-outs, family-friendly entertainment, Billy Bantam and brilliant bars, there’s something for everyone at the popular FanZone, which will return to the city centre venue before every Saturday home game with a 3pm kick off. The FanZone events kick off on Saturday 8 August with a special collaboration with Kingdom Wrestling, when the Courtyard Clash returns to the city for a third time. Featuring three rounds of adrenaline-packed wrestling at 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 5pm, it’s the perfect way to warm-up for the match and continue the fun post-90m. There will also be live drumming at 1.30pm from Shipley based Kirkgate Bateria who will be bringing the carnival atmosphere to the event. School Leavers Invited to Explore their Next Steps at Enterprise Hub EventYoung people across the Bradford district are being encouraged to attend a special Next Steps for School Leavers event at the Shipley Enterprise Hub, Shipley Enterprise Library, on Wednesday 26 August from 1pm to 6pm. The event is dedicated to helping young people explore their options after education, whether they are considering further study, training, apprenticeships or employment. Delivered in partnership with Bradford College, SkillsHouse, Skills for Work, and local business owner Tom Chilton of local café ‘The Bothy,’ the event will offer information, guidance and practical support tailored to school leavers. As part of the event, Tom Chilton will provide one-to-one interview advice and employability coaching, helping young people build confidence, develop their job-seeking skills and prepare for the world of work. Planning childcare for September 2026? Don't miss the 31 August deadline If your child will be attending childcare from September 2026, you could be eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare each week through the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme. Don’t miss the 31 August 2026 deadline to receive your childcare eligibility code. To start childcare in September 2026: ✔ Check if you are eligible for the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme ✔ Your child must be at least 9 months old by 31 August 2026 ✔ Apply through a GOV.UK childcare account (you can register online) ✔ Receive your eligibility code before 31 August 2026 Start your application today and secure your code in time. Once approved, you'll receive an 11-digit eligibility code to share with your chosen childcare provider. Fantastic films and silent disco  Families are invited to Darley Street Market this August for free films every Wednesday at 11am, brought to you by Bradford City of Film. Playing on the big screen in the Courtyard, families are invited to take a seat and enjoy James and the Giant Peach (August 12), The Lego Batman Movie (August 19) and Horton Hears A Who! (August 26). As well as enjoying the films, families can explore the market, grab some shopping, and enjoy some food and drink from across the three floors of traders whilst they watch. There will also be a free silent disco following the film on Wednesday 26 August, brought to you by the Party People Project, a collective that teaches adults with learning disabilities how to DJ, and supported by local pro audio hire company and CIC, AV At It. The silent disco is for all ages but aimed at children and families. Calling drivers over 65 - book your safety check The Mature Driver Appraisal (MDA) is a 60-minute driving review session with an approved driving instructor, in your own car, driving to places you usually go. The appraisal is designed to build confidence, provide tips and advice, and reassure you that you are driving safely. Following a successful pilot in Leeds, the MDA scheme is now being expanded across West Yorkshire, with funding from the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partnership. Since the launch of the pilot scheme in November 2023, around 100 older drivers in Leeds, aged 65 to 90+, have had their skills assessed to ensure they are still safe to continue driving. This scheme, which was featured on BBC News, is part of a bold ambition to achieve Vision Zero and eliminate fatal and serious road injuries from West Yorkshire’s roads by 2040. Places are subsidised by the WYVZ Partnership and are being offered at the reduced price of £20 (usually £70) by quoting ‘MDA20’. | 
