In light of the opening of Bradford 2025 as the UK City of Culture on January 10th and 11th, William Halstead (part of The SIL Group)
is excited to announce our involvement in We Will Sing, an innovative installation by Ann Hamilton, one of America’s most renowned visual artists.
As part of the Bradford 2025 celebrations, We Will Sing is inspired by the district’s rich textile heritage. This major new work marks Hamilton’s first UK commission in over 30 years and the first time all three spaces on the expansive top floor of Salts Mill will be united to showcase a single artwork. We are proud to supply the cloth for We Will Sing, a key moment in Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture.
This collaboration is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 150th anniversary in 2025. It is an honour to contribute to such a significant celebration of the city’s vibrant cultural heritage.
A Cultural Milestone for Bradford 
As part of the Bradford 2025 celebrations, “We Will Sing” is more than just a performance — it’s a communal expression of the city’s vibrant diversity and its longstanding artistic tradition. The event will bring together local communities and international talent, creating a unique platform for collaboration, creativity, and cultural exchange. We believe this event will not only showcase the dynamic spirit of Bradford but will also be a defining moment for the city as it takes its place on the national cultural stage.
Supplying Fabrics for a Powerful Statement
At the heart of this event is the symbolism of the cloth we supplied. The William Halstead (part of The SIL Group) fabrics chosen are designed to complement the grandeur of the event while reflecting Bradford’s multifaceted identity. Our involvement has been focused on providing high-quality materials that not only meet the artistic needs of the performance but also support the durability and aesthetic requirements for an event of this scale.
Fabric as a Medium for Expression
Fabric has always been a powerful medium for expression. Whether it’s in the form of a banner, stage backdrop, or costume, it can communicate meaning and evoke emotion. For “We Will Sing,” the textiles we supplied play a crucial role in bringing the vision of the event to life. The choice of material is intended to enhance the visual impact while ensuring the practical requirements of the event are met. By blending modern design with cultural symbolism, the fabrics create a fitting canvas for the performances and expressions that will unfold during the event.
Supporting Bradford’s Creative Future
We are committed to supporting Bradford’s ongoing creative journey. By contributing to events like “We Will Sing,” we continue to demonstrate our dedication to helping local communities and artistic initiatives thrive. This is a thrilling opportunity to see our fabrics contribute to an event that celebrates the past, present, and future of Bradford’s cultural landscape.
We look forward to seeing the creative outcomes of this collaboration and to witnessing the transformative power of culture and community in action at “We Will Sing.” It’s an honour to be part of an event that highlights the strength of Bradford’s artistic vision and its place in the broader cultural dialogue of the UK.
Location: Salts Mill, Saltaire, BD18 3HU
Dates: 3rd May – 2nd November 2025
Times: To be announced
Follow along for updates on the event and join in the celebration of Bradford 2025!
Images: © Ali Hobbs
For all enquiries, email [email protected]