Daniel Bates

Director , Bradford 2025, UK City of Culture

Daniel is an accomplished arts leader with a career spanning some of the UK’s most respected theatres, including Leeds Playhouse, York Theatre Royal and Sheffield Theatres for over a decade and was instrumental in shaping its national and international reputation.

In recognition of his impact on British theatre, Daniel was ranked joint #16 in The Stage 100 list of the most influential people in UK theatre in 2022. That same year, he was appointed Executive Director of Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture, where he led the strategic delivery of the year.
Under Daniel’s leadership, Sheffield Theatres was named UK Regional Theatre of the Year on four occasions. Productions he co-produced enjoyed major transfers to London’s West End, New York, and national UK tours.

In recognition of his work for services to culture in Bradford, Daniel was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2026.