Cultural clash of the century as the Centenary City takes on the UK City of Culture
Two major cultural cities are set to meet on the pitch when Port Vale host Bradford City AFC at Vale Park.
Port Vale will represent our city’s Centenary when they face Bradford, the current UK City of Culture, in a match that highlights the heritage, pride and ambition of both cities.
The two cities are both at the heart of the UK’s industrial past – as world capitals of ceramics and wool respectively – as well as having a vital role in its present and future.
(Image Port Vale Football Club)
The teams will meet on the pitch on 9 December 2025.
Ahead of kick-off, Bradford will bring their walking footballers for a special pre-game match. Players will wear Centenary T-shirts and there will be a gift exchange before the game.
Vale Park will also feature Centenary branding, including flags and banners.
Stoke-on-Trent has been celebrating its Centenary throughout 2025 – marking 100 years since King George V officially named it a city in recognition of its contribution to the global ceramics industry. In a packed year-long programme it has celebrated 100 years of strength, kindness and creativity as a city – a World Craft City forged through its industrial past and building strong foundations for the future.
Meanwhile, Bradford is the UK City of Culture – paying homage to its heritage as everything from a former industrial powerhouse to the world’s first UNESCO City of Film.
The two teams met at Vale Park in 1925, the year Stoke-on-Trent became a city, with Port Vale winning 1-0. Port Vale finished that season (1924/25) eighth in the Second Division, with Bradford City sixteenth.
Matt Hancock, chief executive of Port Vale, said: “We’re delighted to help round off what has been an incredible centenary year for Stoke-on-Trent and would like to thank both the council and Bradford City for their efforts in bringing this idea to life.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the proud history of our cities and our clubs, with our own 150th anniversary just around the corner.”
Dan Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “This match is set to celebrate a very special year, through Stoke’s Centenary and Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture, and will be a great opportunity for Bradford City AFC and Port Vale FC to come together on the pitch to make their cities proud.
“UK City of Culture celebrates heritage, community and culture in all its forms, which is mirrored in the deep passion and community spirit built by football teams all over the country. We are of course Team Bantams on the night – but best of luck to both teams.”
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Football has a rare power to cross cultures and bring people together.
“This fixture brings two major cultural cities together, both with a strong heritage, proud communities and a shared love of the game. Our Centenary year has something for everyone and it’s great to be working with Port Vale and Bradford to bill this as the cultural game of the century.
“We want people to enjoy it and we want Port Vale to show what our city can do. Two proud cities will be behind their teams and it should be a great night.”
