The Flower Carpet
The World-Famous Living Floral Installation Makes Its UK Debut in Bradford.

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Posted on 16th August 2026

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A world-renowned floral tradition that has drawn global audiences to Belgium for decades is coming to the UK for the very first time! From Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th September 2026, the Flower Carpet will transform Bradford's historic Centenary Square into a giant, living tapestry.

Brought to the district by the Bradford Culture Company as part of its landmark 2026 Nature Season, this once-in-a-lifetime free event features a monumental 29-metre-wide artwork created live in front of the public by a team of 40 participants. Designed by local Bradford artist Shiraaz Ali, the design combines archival patterns and symbolic motifs inspired by Bradford's industrial growth, textile heritage, and diverse communities.

What to Expect in Centenary Square 🌸✨

This major outdoor installation offers both daytime and evening experiences right in front of Bradford City Hall:

• 300,000 Dahlia Flowerheads: A massive living carpet hand-assembled using over 300,000 vibrant, freshly harvested dahlia blooms.
• Live Creation (Thursday 24th Sept): Watch the team of 40 community members and volunteers assemble the intricate pattern live on the pavement.
• Nightly Sound & Light Show: Each evening after dark, the installation will be illuminated accompanied by a bespoke soundscape designed specifically for the gothic architecture of Centenary Square.
• Flower-Themed Family Activities: Free creative workshops and community events hosted around City Park across the weekend.
• Sustainable Lifecycle: At the conclusion of the event, all 300,000 dahlias will be collected and composted locally to enrich West Yorkshire's green spaces.

Photo Gallery

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential visitor details for the Flower Carpet UK premiere:

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Admission

FREE ENTRY

Completely free to view in Centenary Square with no tickets required.

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Display Dates

Thursday 24th – Sunday 27th September 2026
• Live assembly begins Thursday 24th September.
• Illuminated sound & light shows every evening after dark.

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Best Times to Visit

Visit during daylight to admire the intricate flowerhead arrangements up close, or return after dusk to see the illuminated evening spectacle!

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Accessibility

Centenary Square and City Park feature flat, paved pedestrian surfaces throughout with full wheelchair and pushchair access.

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Visitor Tip

As a unique 4-day installation, ensure you visit before Sunday evening before the blooms are collected for local composting!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Event Location:

Centenary Square & City Park, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1HY

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🚆 By Train & Bus

Bradford Interchange is just a 3-minute walk away, while Bradford Forster Square station is an 8-minute flat walk to Centenary Square.

🚗 Driving & Parking

Multi-storey parking is located nearby at The Broadway Shopping Centre (BD1 1JR) and Crown Court Car Park (BD1 1JA).