Thornton Viaduct came alive this weekend as Bradford residents came together for the unveiling of a vibrant new public artwork.

FLOCK, a striking freestanding sculpture, was created by artists Nelson + Woodward in collaboration with young people from Thornton. This special piece invites us to explore what it feels like to be a young person today while also looking back at tales from Thornton’s history.

FLOCK was positioned on the historic Viaduct for the day, where visitors could explore its bold design and powerful messages from local youth. Revealed as part of the Thornton Winter Warmer celebrations, FLOCK drew crowds for an afternoon of live art, music and community spirit.

Flock at a glance 

• A rollercoaster form, symbolising the emotional highs and lows of young people’s lives
• Playful sheep-shaped ends, nodding to the village’s textile past and themes of individuality and belonging
• Reconfigurable seating, offering a flexible gathering space for young people
• Sheep placards, carrying honest and urgent messages from local youth to adults
• Bronze maggot details, inspired by Thornton’s early-20th-century ‘Maggot King’ who bred maggots to treat tuberculosis

Artists, Annie Nelson and Chris Woodward, said:

“We are absolutely delighted that so many people from the local community came out to support the unveiling of this important sculpture.

FLOCK was created from the ideas, honesty and imagination of local young people, who worked with us from day one to shape a piece that reflects their stories and experiences. With nods to Thornton’s colourful history, we can’t wait for even more people to experience FLOCK for themselves and uncover the hidden details and messages from young people woven into every part of it.”

FLOCK has been created through Thornton’s Crown, a project that empowers young people to reimagine and reclaim their public spaces through creativity.

Thornton’s Crown is led by South Square Centre and supported by Bradford Youth Service and Beckfoot Thornton Secondary School. The project was made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, DCMS Cultural Development Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Brelms Trust. FLOCK has been supported by the Bradford 2025 Creative Communities Fund, delivered by GiveBradford.

Director at South Square Centre, Alice Withers, said:

“We are so excited to reveal this special piece that represents the creativity and courage of Thornton’s young people. Their ideas have brought FLOCK to life in a way that feels truly rooted in Thornton. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve created, and we hope everyone who visits the sculpture feels that same spark of pride and possibility.”

Designed as both artwork and gathering space, FLOCK has now been located to Thornton Community Centre where it will be used by the local community as a space to meet, talk and reflect.

The unveiling of FLOCK was a key highlight of the Thornton Winter Warmer, a full day of events delivered across the village by South Square Centre, Thornton Community Centre, Sapgate Gardens and Creative Communities.

The FLOCK unveiling was followed by a joyful lantern and percussion parade, which illuminated the route from the Viaduct to Sapgate Gardens. Other activities included festive workshops, face painting, carol singing and a shadow-puppet play inspired by Thornton’s history.