Trafalgar Entertainment continues its rapid expansion as it takes on the operation of Bradford Live, the city’s newest entertainment venue. The global live entertainment company, founded by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire, secured the role following a competitive tender process and will oversee the venue’s final fit-out ahead of its anticipated Autumn 2025 opening.
The move is part of Trafalgar Entertainment’s growing presence in the live entertainment industry, adding Bradford Live to its prestigious portfolio of 18 venues, which includes Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End, Theatre Royal Sydney, the forthcoming Olympia Theatre in London and recent acquisitions of operating rights to Southend Cliffs Pavilion and Fareham Live Theatre in Hampshire.
Bradford Live, formerly the Odeon Cinema, has undergone a transformative £50 million restoration. Originally built in the 1930s, the venue has hosted legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Tom Jones. Under Trafalgar Entertainment’s stewardship, it will once again become a major destination for live music, comedy, and large-scale events.
The company’s commitment to high-quality entertainment is well-established. Panter and Squire have produced over 300 theatre productions, including Barbican summer hits Kiss Me, Kate, Anything Goes, and forthcoming play Good Night, Oscar starring Sean Hayes, current West End show Clueless: A New Musical, plus The Rocky Horror Show, Jersey Boys, A Strange Loop and many more. Additionally, in 2023, Trafalgar Entertainment acquired a majority strategic investment in Imagine Theatre, one of the UK’s largest pantomime providers, further strengthening its hold on the live performance sector.
Helen Enright, CEO of Trafalgar Venues, emphasized the company’s vision, stating that Bradford Live will become a “hub for live touring artists, comedians, and bands, creating lifelong memorable moments for local fans.”
Sir Howard Panter echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about Trafalgar Entertainment’s role in Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations. “Our immediate priority is to support and promote Bradford 2025, delivering an exemplary programme of events for this milestone year,” he said.
The appointment of Trafalgar Entertainment has been welcomed by local officials, with Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, highlighting the economic benefits of the venue’s reopening. “The investment we’ve made in Bradford Live will boost the local economy and support businesses for years to come,” she said.
As Trafalgar Entertainment expands its influence, the addition of Bradford Live to its growing empire solidifies its position as a leader in the live entertainment industry. With an ambitious programme of events planned, the company is set to transform the venue into a major cultural destination.
