Cultural clash of the century back on as Port Vale host Bradford City on 10 March

Cultural clash of the century back on as Port Vale host Bradford City on 10 March

The Cultural Clash of the century football match between Port Vale FC and Bradford City AFC will now take place on Tuesday 10 March at Vale Park.

Originally scheduled during Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year, the fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It will now go ahead as part of the lasting legacy of the city’s 100-year celebrations and Bradford’s year as 2025 UK City of Culture.

The fixture brings together two proud cities with strong industrial roots and a deep connection to community, culture and football.

The two cities are at the heart of the UK's industrial past – the world capitals of ceramics and wool capital of the world – and have a vital role in its present and future.

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 celebrated 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.

Bradford was the 2025 UK City of Culture – a year-long celebration of the city and district, highlighting its heritage as everything from a former industrial powerhouse to the world’s first UNESCO City of Film.

The two teams met at Vale’s Old Recreation Ground 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.

Port Vale Chief Executive, Matt Hancock, 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, during our own 150th anniversary year.”

Dan Bates, Executive Director, 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: “The rain may have delayed kick-off, but it hasn’t dampened the spirit behind this fixture.

“Football has a rare power to cross cultures and bring people together. We’re not ready to blow the final whistle on our Centenary just yet, and we’re pleased it can now go ahead as part of its lasting legacy.”

“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.”