Residents and community groups in Bradford have reacted with frustration after organisers of the annual Wyke Cinema Day were told the event could not go ahead on its planned date because Bradford Council double-booked Wyke Community Sports Village.
What happened
The free outdoor cinema, due to take place on 22 August, was cancelled after an administrative error resulted in the site being scheduled to host the National Youth Circuit Series of cycling on the same day. The cinema event is provided by Bradford-based company Big TV, which supplies the LED screen, sound system and technical crew.
Local reaction and calls for alternatives
Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South, has written to the council urging it to "consider all options" before cancelling a confirmed community event. Event technician Jodie Cottrell has publicly criticised the decision and called on the authority to work with both organisers so that both the cinema and the cycling meet can take place.
"While we appreciate the Council accepting responsibility for the mistake, we are deeply disappointed that the proposed solution appears to be cancelling our confirmed community event rather than finding a way for both events to take place."
Organisers say the cinema attracted around 500 guests per screening last year, while the cycling event is expected to draw roughly 300 cyclists. They argue that Wyke Community Sports Village is a substantial site with multiple facilities and open space that could safely host both activities concurrently.
- Event: Wyke Cinema Day — free outdoor screenings with local stalls
- Date affected: 22 August
- Organiser: Big TV (Bradford-based)
Local consequences and next steps
The decision to cancel a popular, volunteer-led community event will affect local traders, volunteers and families planning to attend. Organisers and the MP have asked the council to revisit the choice and to explore practical solutions, such as reconfiguring areas of the site, staggered timetabling or shared use of different parts of the venue.
Bradford Council has acknowledged responsibility for the booking error according to statements from organisers, but so far there has been no public confirmation that alternative arrangements are being pursued. The lack of an immediate workaround has prompted calls for clearer operational safeguards to prevent similar clashes in the future.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wyke Cinema Day (expected) | ~500 guests per screening; free outdoor films; food and craft stalls |
| National Youth Circuit Series | ~300 cyclists expected; competitive cycling event |
| Venue | Wyke Community Sports Village |
Organisers have asked Bradford Council to "reconsider its decision and allow both events to take place," saying the site has sufficient capacity and that cancelling the cinema should not have been presented as the only option. Local residents and businesses who supported the event will be watching closely for the council's response.
