The people behind the pictures
Phil
What does Bradford mean to you?
Bradford is home to me, the place where I was born and bred. A town built of stone facing up to the changing world after the decline of its woollen trades and the Second World War.
What do you love about Bradford?
It’s my hometown and I’m grateful for all is given me from childhood to forming my family through to retirement. That’s the reason I love it.
What bugs you about Bradford?
I’m bewildered by the negativity inflicted on Bradford.
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
Bradford council proved me wrong. I was opposed to the proposal to install a water feature in the town square but they have done a fabulous job of it. I hope Bradford prospers to become the great city it once was.
Diana
What does Bradford mean to you?
Bradford gave me a wonderful start in life. It’s etched in my bones, a place I always carry with me. Born in Bradford, my parents owned a greengrocers in Frizinghall. My education at Belle Vue Grammar School and my life in and around Bradford until the age of 22, returning with young children in my thirties, provided me with countless treasured memories. One of my fondest recollections is of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 1954. I was perched on my aunt’s shoulders, gazing in awe as the Queen graced us with her presence outside the town hall. The air was filled with excitement and the sense of history in the making.
In the 1950s, the mills, with their incessant clattering, noise, and peculiar smells, could indeed be intimidating. Yet, Bradford thrived with a strong community spirit and a constant push toward a brighter future.
The city’s vibrant clubbing scene was the talk of the town, with famous groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones making memorable visits. And let’s not forget Smokie, our local heroes, who left their indelible mark on the music scene.
What do I love about Bradford?
There are so many aspects of this fascinating city that I like. Some of the architecture, is wonderful. From the stately City Hall to the grand Wool Exchange, and from the elegant Cartwright Hall to the historic St. George’s Hall, each building tells a story of Bradford’s rich heritage. But it’s not just the buildings; the people of Bradford are truly something special. Stalwart, resilient, and with an indomitable community spirit, Bradfordians are friendly, welcoming, and deeply proud of their historical heritage. The city was a titan of the Industrial Revolution, known far and wide as the “wool capital of the world”. The mills buzzed with the production of high-quality worsted cloth. Then there are the influential figures hailing from Bradford, like the ever-inspiring David Hockney, who remains an inspiration of creativity as Bradford prepares to be the City of Culture in 2025. The contributions of J.B. Priestley are celebrated in local theatres.
As teenagers we frequented The Heart Beat Club, a disco that opened its doors in 1966. It was brimming with unforgettable nights of music and fun. Also, the ‘posh’ Mecca Ballroom on Manningham Lane, with its revolving stage, “Ladies Boudoir”, and a fountain. It was the perfect place to make new friends.
Today, Bradford is crowned the Curry Capital of the North. But before this, we would often visit Mamma Mia’s with friends and family, creating nights filled with laughter and delicious Italian food. The Alhambra Theatre, with its grand architecture is a special place. It has been a significant part of our lives, from fantastic pantomimes, ballet and opera performances. My daughter Sally and I cherished our visits to St. George’s Hall, one of the UK’s oldest concert halls, where we enjoyed a variety entertainment. Bradford is famous as a film location, featured in many films including The Railway Children
And then there are the parks. Bradford’s beautiful parks offer a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views. Lister Park, with its boating lake, Mughal Gardens, art gallery, and bandstand, was my childhood playground. Growing up just opposite the park on Manningham Lane, I spent countless hours at the lido and roller skating around, knowing every inch of it like my own garden. Beyond Bradford, the surrounding region is dotted with lovely areas like Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosting community events. Haworth, with its Brontë legacy and stunning moorland scenery, and Cliffe Castle, a little time capsule of Bradford’s history with lovely grounds, all add to the charm of living in and around this remarkable city.
What Bugs You About Bradford?
One thing that really bugs me about Bradford is the negativity of some people. I wish they could be more positive and creative –less moaning and more doing. Bradford has so many wonderful qualities, but a few challenges can be frustrating for residents and visitors. On a larger scale, there are:
Traffic Congestion: Like many cities, Bradford can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. The city’s layout and infrastructure sometimes struggle to keep up with the volume of vehicles.
Cycle Lanes: There is a clear need for better planning when it comes to cycle lanes. Too often, money is spent creating cycle lanes only for them to be dismantled a few months later because they were impractical or unnecessary. Some cycle lane placements seem more about ticking a political box rather than truly addressing the needs of cyclists and the community.
Urban Decay: Some areas of the city have suffered from neglect and urban decay, with empty shops and buildings detracting from the city’s appeal.
Social Issues: Bradford has its share of social challenges, including racial tensions. But one of the biggest issues is litter, which is something we can all control. If everyone took responsibility for their own area in front of their house or business and used the plentiful bins, we wouldn’t have an issue. People driving along the road throwing their takeaways out of car windows – and generally being slobs – what is that about? Where is our Bradford pride?
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
The biggest news is that Bradford has been designated as the UK City of Culture for 2025. This is a massive deal, expected to bring significant investment, cultural events, and a boost in tourism to the city, really putting Bradford on the map.
There are also several city regeneration projects underway, including the creation of new green spaces. But more than that, I’m hoping the Bradford Council is focusing on bringing more job opportunities to the city. This balance between regeneration and improving living standards is crucial. These initiatives are all part of a broader vision to make Bradford a cleaner, more sustainable, and more vibrant place to live, work, and visit. And I can’t wait to see the Old Gaumont being revitalised as Bradford Live. It’s going to be fantastic! I sincerely hope that Bradford can return to its former glory days.
Atiyya
What does Bradford mean to you?
It means a lot to me. I was born and raised here, and still live here. I’ve studied here and participated in different organisations in Bradford. I’ve seen people criticise Bradford, but I’ve equally seen people uplift and celebrate it. I feel like the majority of people who live in Bradford would say it’s a diverse and vibrant city.
What do you love about Bradford?
One thing I love about Bradford is the variety of cultural shops, including Arab, African, South Asian, and Southeast Asian businesses selling different clothing, foods, furniture, and more.
What bugs you about Bradford?
What bugs me about Bradford is the negative outlooks regarding the city and the people of Bradford, from both those who live here and outsiders. This negative perception of Bradford hides the its rich history, diversity, multicultural and vibrancy as a city.
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
What gives me hope for Bradford is seeing the new opportunities emerging. I believe this will make it an even more exciting city to visit and better known for its history, arts, diversity and culture. I hope for Bradford to be a city that attracts visitors from outside West Yorkshire.
James
What does Bradford mean to you?
For me Bradford, specifically Bingley, means home. If you grow up here you feel like you belong, and if you didn’t grow up here it’s a place that welcomes all types of people with open arms. Bradford might not have the glamorous reputation it once had. But we don’t care what anyone says, it’s our home and we love it for what it is.
What do you love about Bradford?
The thing I love most about Bradford has to be the rich history and architecture, this remains one of the only things that is still publicly appreciated about our city. I really hope this award highlights the other amazing aspects and achievements of the city and its people. However, there’s a reason Bradford’s buildings have continued to be a crowd-pleaser as the reputation of the city began to fall. Another reason to love Bradford is the people, open, friendly and from all walks of life. This is a community that wants to help each other when times are tough and of course a good Yorkshire sense of humour.
What bugs you about Bradford?
That people who don’t know it and have never been here assume it’s not a nice place. The stigma around Bradford is that the city isn’t what it once was and the decline in status has caused tourists to stop visiting here. Furthermore I feel that, although, like every city, it has good parts and bad parts, I can honestly say that for the most part I feel very safe and proud to say that I was born and raised here.
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
Firstly, I hope this award can show the nation that Bradford is more than a retired wool manufacturer and draw attention to all the great stories and achievements that our city and its people have to offer. It gives me hope that young people from all cultures will see Bradford as a place which welcomes anyone. Unfortunately, the amount of people living in poverty is extremely concerning and my final hope is that this award can bring tourists back to Bradford and therefore more money to invest in the community and areas where this crisis is most apparent.
Usman
What does Bradford mean to you?
Bradford is so much more than the city where I was born and raised, it is the city that has nurtured me into the individual I am today and the city that has given generations of people hope that one day their kids will thrive here and I am the proof of that hope. It is the city of dreams.
What do you love about Bradford?
I love the new customs that have emerged in Bradford from weekly runs in parks and garden hedges trimmed and shaped to perfection that had me in awe as a child. These small customs that have helped shape my childhood and have now become traditions for me.
What bugs you about Bradford?
I wish everyone across the UK could see the potential we have as a city to thrive, at the moment we are still a hidden gem and we have so much to offer.
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
Now more than ever I can see parallels between Bradford and other major cities. I can see and feel the difference throughout the city, from the people to the positive portrayals of Bradford in the media and this creates the ability for all of us to bind together around Bradford through City of Culture.
Hannah
What does Bradford mean to you?
Bradford to me is my heritage. I was born and raised in Canada and moved here 2 1/2 years ago. Both my parents grew up in Bradford and I feel so lucky I’ve been able to experience the culture here! I’ve met so many amazing people and been able to learn more about my family’s history which has been really special for me. Although I’ve been here a short time Bradford has given me a better sense of who I am and where I’ve come from.
What do you love about Bradford?
I’m fascinated with the architecture, I love the old buildings and little design details. I’ve always appreciated the history here having been from a country that’s only 157 years old. The scenery in the countryside is amazing, the views can be breathtaking!
What bugs you about Bradford?
I think Bradford gets a bad reputation, but it’s for a person to experience and decide for themselves and there’s lots it has to offer. There’s good and bad everywhere in the world and you can easily find the good when that’s what your looking for.
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
I hope City of Culture draws attention to all Bradford has to offer. It’s a very friendly place; when I meet someone new they’re always interested to learn why I moved to Bradford, but I’ve had such amazing experiences here, which is what life is all about!
Charles
What does Bradford mean to you?
The district of Bradford is my home, born and bred. Its geography and culture has helped shape me into the person I am today.
What do you love about Bradford?
I love its idyllic villages, beautiful architecture, heritage sites and contrasting valleys of green and grey.
What bugs you about Bradford?
The systemic neglect of the region, its people and the ignorance towards its historical significance during the Industrial Revolution.
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
That millions more people will visit Bradford in 2025 and see the immense potential it has culturally and economically. Leading to more investment and a prosperous future.
Ella
What does Bradford mean to you?
Bradford is my home. It is where I grew up and has shaped me as a person from its rich cultures, music scenes and arts. It means a lot to me and I am waiting for many to discover its hidden gems
What do you love about Bradford?
I love the friendliness that Bradford’s community has. When I take a walk in my village I am always greeted with a warm smile from familiar faces and strangers. Bradford is also where I made so many of my friends for life so it has a very special place in my heart, full of happy memories.
What bugs you about Bradford?
That Bradford consistently has a bad reputation from outsiders who haven’t actually visited the city. The negative comments overshadow the fact that Bradford does have so much to offer from authentic music venues to beautiful galleries to stunning countryside routes, to mention a few.
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
From being heavily involved in Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture as a youth panelist and in the production team, I can see the potential that Bradford has in the near future. It will give light to the amazing hidden talent, arts and culture the city holds that really makes me excited for Bradford.
Saffy
What does Bradford mean to you?
Bradford is my home, my birthplace, it’s my safe space and it carries a lot of history.
What do you love about Bradford?
I love the architecture and the culture. My favourite place to go is the iconic Alhambra theatre. It’s such a beautiful magnificent building. I have seen many fantastic productions over the years.
What bugs you about Bradford?
No good nightlife. Nothing lasts, it’s like a ghost town. It has a bad reputation.
What gives you fresh hope for the future?
Now that Bradford is becoming pedestrianised, this makes it easier for me as an ambulatory wheelchair user. I would like my city to come alive again.