Shipley burst into Bloom with a magical contemporary circus spectacle that took over the heart of the town.
Created as one of the main projects for Bradford (City of Culture 2025), Bloom was a large-scale outdoor circus performance that celebrated the spirit of community – who we are today and who we could become tomorrow.
Taking place in the streets and skies of a newly refreshed Shipley Market Square to a crowd of over 6,000 people, it was a bold and joyful expression of connection, community and what we can build when we work together.
As part of this bespoke production, Upswing worked with local people to bring together 6 local choirs of 150 people aged 6 – 96, known as the ‘Blooming Marvelous Choir”.
In creating Bloom, we also supported the development of 14 Bradford-based artists. From 160 responses to an open call, we selected and trained the artists in aerial dance to perform alongside Upswing’s world-class acrobats on a 30 metre-high crane.
The feedback has been spectacular:
“In the space of a week I went from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘wow I’m actually doing this!’. An experience I’ll never forget” – Bloom Trainee Aerial Artist
“Oh my gosh – it was amazing. I had goosebumps. Love Shipley clock tower and it was such an important part of the evening.” – Local Business Owner
“I’ve never seen anything like this” – Joe Ashton, clerk of Shipley Town Council
“Upswing were amazing in the skill and bravery of their acrobatics. Lots of local talent was on display…It’s all about being brave, taking risks and working together to make Shipley even better.”– Cllr Rhona North, Chair of Shipley Town Council
“It was intensely powerful to stand shoulder to shoulder with people you share streets with and see such a transformative piece of art.” – Audience member
Photos on this page by Celine McKillion, David Lindsay and Deborah Clarke
Cast & Credits
Co-produced by Upswing and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Developed at 101 Outdoor Arts Creation Space.
Creative Team
Artistic Director – Vicki Dela Amedume
Assistant Director – Tamzen Moulding
Associate Aerial Director – Vince Virr
Dramaturgy – Theresa Heskins
Composer and Musical Director – Tayo Akinbode
Lighting Designer – Craig West
Sound Designer – Dan Steele
Set and Costumer Designer – Becky Minto
Costume Supervisor – Aileen Sherry
Performers
Opera Singer – Heather Lowe
Upswing Acrobats – Kussyl Amara, Jaide Annalise Brewer, Loris De Via, Madeleine Fuller, Shane Hampden, Gracie Hill, Lauren Jamieson, Emily Odunsi, Zebulon Simoneau, Rebecca Solomon, Saya Yamaguchi
Aerial Team – Bethany Batty, Xolani Crabtree, Amy Jo Dalby, Rachael Dennis, Amy Feather, Thomas Roy Guy, Charlie Heap, Joachim Keke, Layla Kouara, Ashley Mann, James Mounsey, Matthew-Jay Pratt, Sophie Simpson, Bethany Smith
Choirs – Cottingley Community Choir, Cullingworth Community Choir, Denholme Voices, Great Yorkshire Chorus, Love Pop Choir Saltaire, The Bolton Woods Centre Choir
The text for the show was written by Theresa Heskins, closely inspired by writing created in May 2024 by Antony Dunn with members of Queer Saltaire, Shipley in Bloom, Health Action Local Engagement and Baildon, Shipley & Saltaire Men’s Shed, in collaboration with the People Powered Press