A Brief History
Bradford has been home to a vibrant Ukrainian community since the years following the Second World War. Many Ukrainians arrived in Britain as refugees and displaced people, unable to return to their homeland due to the political situation in Eastern Europe. Like many other newcomers, they found work in Bradford’s textile mills and began to build a new life in the city.
In 1947 and 1948, local Ukrainians established one of the earliest branches of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) in Bradford. The community quickly organised cultural and social activities including choirs, dance groups, sports clubs and a Saturday school for children, helping to preserve Ukrainian language, culture and traditions while also contributing to the wider life of the city.
The community first purchased premises on Claremont in 1950, where many of these activities flourished. As the community grew, a larger centre was eventually secured on Legrams Lane in 1981, which remains the home of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre today.
For decades the centre has been a place for celebration, cultural events and community life. Today it continues to honour the heritage of Bradford’s Ukrainian community while welcoming people from all backgrounds who wish to gather, celebrate and take part in the life of the centre.
Timeline of the Ukrainian Community in Bradford
1947–1948
1950
1950s–1970s
1981
Today
Ukrainian refugees and displaced people who arrived in Britain after the Second World War began settling in Bradford. The Bradford branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) was established, helping to organise social, cultural and community life.
The community purchased its first premises on Claremont in Bradford. This became an important gathering place for Ukrainian families and hosted cultural events, choirs, youth groups and a Saturday school.
The centre played a key role in preserving Ukrainian language, culture and traditions for younger generations while also contributing to the wider cultural life of Bradford.
A larger venue on Legrams Lane was acquired, becoming the home of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre Bradford as it exists today.
The centre continues to celebrate Ukrainian heritage while welcoming people from across Bradford for cultural events, celebrations, meetings and community gatherings.