A 'Beacon' for the arts in City of Culture year

A pop-up performance space is being used to bring City of Culture events to suburbs across the Bradford district.

The Beacon is a custom-made temporary building which can be put up and taken down quickly and was commissioned by the Bradford 2025 team.

It is spending a month at a time in various locations, starting with Wibsey Park where it is based until 5 May.

Then it will be moved to Bowling Park in Bradford, Cliffe Castle Park in Keighley, and finally to Lister Park, back in Bradford.

This week, CBeebies Evie Pickerill and George Webster brought the show's popular Bedtime Stories brand to the temporary venue.

They were among a number of guests who read to children during free sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ms Pickerill said: "I think it's my first time ever in Bradford and it's incredible.

"I think the pop-up, The Beacon, is such a good idea.

"I think it's a revelation and we need to get more pop-ups around, especially a CBeebies Bedtime pop-up tent. That would be very cool."

She said it was great to get out of the CBeebies studio and meet some of their viewers in person.

Ms Pickerill said: "We're equally as excited to meet them as they are to see us, so it's a really big treat. We love it."

George Webster, who is originally from Rawdon in Leeds, made history in 2021 when he became the first CBeebies presenter with Down's syndrome.

He is now a BAFTA award-winning TV presenter and even appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2022.

Mr Webster said: "It's amazing to be here because I'm local. I live in this county and it's really special to do this.

"The event's been brilliant and everyone's been so lovely and has really welcomed us."

A special BBC Introducing showcase with headline act and Wakefield-based Oliver Pinder will be held at The Beacon on 25 April.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.