Some of David Hockney’s most iconic works appeared in the night sky above the artist’s hometown of Bradford as part of Painting the Sky. The special free event for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture – which was made possible with the support of National Lottery operator Allwyn – celebrated the region’s most famous artist. This saw works from across Hockney’s career brought to life in the night sky by over 600 choreographed illuminated drones.

A special reception – hosted by Allwyn's Chair, Justin King – also celebrated the volunteers who have made Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture a huge success and brought to life how Allwyn will support the volunteer legacy beyond this momentous year.

Allwyn was previously named as a Major Partner of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. The partnership, which will see investment into the development of Bradford’s volunteer programme beyond 2025, is being delivered through a portion of Allwyn’s Social Value Fund, an annual £1m to back initiatives as part of Allwyn’s commitment to operate The National Lottery in an environmentally and socially responsible way. It will enable Bradford 2025 volunteers to continue with training, development and opportunities to support their communities after the year-long UK City of Culture celebrations have come to an end.

At the event – which was attended by over 100 stakeholders, many of them Bradford 2025 volunteers – Justin King recognised this remarkable group: the volunteers, who have not only been the beating heart of Bradford 2025, but who are a driving force of the UK economy and The National Lottery.

Mr King spoke about how volunteering not only gives back to society, but also strengthens the nation’s finances – with research from DCMS showing that formal volunteering in England is worth £25bn annually. Likewise, he explained that volunteering also stands at the heart of The National Lottery. Whether in sport, the arts, heritage or the community, volunteers are the common thread weaving together countless National Lottery-funded projects.

Mr King said a career highlight for him was working with the 70,000 Games Makers at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, whose dedication helped deliver an outstanding event. And that, based on what he has witnessed, the 2,400 volunteers of Bradford 2025 have helped deliver a similarly exceptional year of culture.

Thanks to the support of Allwyn, Bradford 2025 volunteers and partner organisations will receive continued training and development. This includes targeted outreach to a range of priority groups, as well as support, incentivisation and development of these volunteers. This will be achieved through an appealing, practical training offer that builds skills and confidence and will enable the existing volunteer programme to continue into 2026.