Bradford Woolly Heritage Community Interest Company is registered.

Myself, Dan the landlord of the Jacobs Well and old friend Julia have created this company to help nurture the growth of the Blaise Festival; support other events; and encourage an interest in, and engagement with, the history, culture, economy and future of the city of Bradford and/or all aspects of the wool trade. The ultimate aim is to have a major, city wide and international linked, celebration of Bishop Blaise’s Day on the 2025, the 200th anniversary of the last time Bradford properly celebrated him.

This is to be done initially by adding to  the revival a wool festival in Bradford named after Bishop Blaise, Patron Saint of Woolcombers, around his Saint’s day on 3rd February of each year. Something Bradford last properly celebrated in 1825. This is presently focused at The Bradford Industrial Museum, which has already benefited from increased visitor numbers due to past work.

Dates already confirmed; please check this page for updates.

Thursday 9th January. City Hall. A meeting to launch of the company, for people interested in what we are doing, and especially anyone who might want to help and support us; or who are already involved promoting Bradford or wool.

Friday 31st January. City Hall. A Brief Blaise History. Glyn Watkins presents a show about Saint Blaise and Bradford.

Sunday 2nd February. The Blaise Wool Festival at Bradford Industrial Museum from 11.00 to 16.00. This will be the third Blaise wool festival at the Museum. There will be more stalls; Hall Royd Brass Band and Bradford Community Choir will be performing again; there will be demonstrations of spinning, wean and other skills; and The Lord Mayor of Bradford will be presented with an address by Bishop Blaise, in the form of Glyn Watkins.

There may be a walk on Saturday 1st Feb. and something to mark Saint Blaise actual day on Monday 3rd Feb.

Anyone organising almost any event over the first weekend of February can be part of the Bring Back Blaise Festival 2020 in exchange for advertising it. It will be low key but may grow big over the next few years.

We will be seeking support and sponsorship.

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