GASTRO-DIPLOMACY: The World Curry Festival returns for Bradford 2025 with a two-week celebration of food, heritage and community

Britain’s epicentre of curry will once again place food at the heart of its cultural identity this September, as the World Curry Festival returns with a sensational two-week programme celebrating cuisine, heritage and community as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

Founded in 2008 by Bradford entrepreneur Dr Zulfi Karim DL, the festival has grown into what organisers call a form of “gastro-diplomacy” – using curry as a vehicle for storytelling, cultural exchange and social change.

Over the years, the World Curry Festival has drawn audiences and talent from across the globe, cementing its reputation as more than a local celebration.

Its influence has stretched far beyond Bradford, with headline showcases in Malaysia at the Penang International Halal Expo and gala dinners at the historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Chefs and food personalities from Pakistan, India and the UK have shared stages, while visitors from Europe, the Middle East and South Asia have flocked to experience the blend of tradition and innovation.

PICTURES: (left) In September 2015, the festival featured Karachi’s Chef, Aamir Iqbal, aptly nicknamed the “Singing Chef”, who performed live at Lister Park. Known for his television cookery appearances and culinary teaching, he brought music and food to life with his charismatic cooking demos. (right) The festival expanded internationally, appearing at Malaysia’s Penang International Halal Expo & Conference in early 2016. British chefs, including Michael Weaver and Rahila Hussain, led live demonstrations, hosted by Christa Ackroyd at a three-day showcase of cuisine.

This international reach has helped position Bradford not only as Britain’s curry heartland but as a crossroads for culinary diplomacy. “Curry is more than Britain’s favourite dish,” Zulfi says. “It’s a story of migration, entrepreneurship and community.

“Bradford is proud to be the nation’s curry capital, and in our City of Culture year we are celebrating not just the food on the plate, but the people and stories behind it.”

The timing feels apt. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), the UK curry industry contributes more than £5bn to the economy and supports 100,000 jobs.

However, the sector has been hit hard by rising costs, staff shortages and shifting dining habits. More than 3,000 curry houses have closed in the past decade. Curry Forever, the CIC now powering the festival, has been set up to protect the industry and reimagine it for future generations.

Organisers are determined that the festival extends beyond the spectacle of 2025.

The legacy plan focuses on training and skills development, strengthening food supply chains, and establishing Bradford as a global hub for food innovation and intercultural exchange.

“The World Curry Festival is about honouring pioneers, showcasing new talent and proving that a curry really can change the world,” Zulfi adds.

“With the curry industry under threat, our mission is clear: Curry Forever will make sure curry is here forever.”

This year’s programme will also host men’s mental health supper clubs, where sharing a meal becomes a safe space for honest conversation.

Other initiatives include working directly with farmers and suppliers to create more local, sustainable food supply chains, while keeping the authenticity that has always been at the heart of curry culture.

Tickets for the World Curry Festival are available now. Tickets can be booked online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/curry-forever-115191276801