Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bradford Dazzles with 300,000 Dahlia Flower Carpet
Bradford Dazzles with 300,000 Dahlia Flower Carpet
24 Sep
Summary
- Over 300,000 dahlias form a massive hexagonal flower carpet.
- Artist Shiraaz Ali drew inspiration from Bradford's textile heritage.
- The event is officially opened later in 2026.
More than 300,000 dahlias are being meticulously hand-placed to create an impressive flower "carpet" outside Bradford City Hall. This large-scale public artwork, a hexagonal shape measuring 95ft across, is being assembled in Centenary Square with the help of around 40 volunteers. The floral installation is set to be officially opened later in 2026.
Local artist Shiraaz Ali is the creative force behind the design, which is deeply rooted in Bradford's historical textile industry and its diverse community. Ali researched at the Bradford Industrial Museum and visited Brussels to understand the biennial Flower Carpet event.
The design aims to reflect Bradford's origins as a textile hub and celebrate the contributions of its people throughout history. Ali emphasized that the artwork is intended to be inclusive, accessible, and a representation of the city's unity.
