City of Culture broadcast partner offers Bradford's talent 'chance to be seen'

THE 2025 UK City of Culture status has been described as a "game changer" for Bradford during a high-profile event held in the city yesterday.

The year's potential impact was discussed at a launch event held at One City Park to mark the BBC becoming the official broadcast partner for Bradford 2025.

At the event, Shanaz Gulzar, creative director for the Bradford UK City of Culture, said: “The UK City of Culture is a game changer for Bradford.

“Our city often gets overlooked and this is our chance to get seen.

“Bradford has produced some the world’s greatest talent.

“Twenty-nine per cent of Bradford’s population is under the age of 20, and the City of Culture is an opportunity for young creative people to fulfil their dreams.

"The UK City of Culture puts all eyes on this incredible region.

“Iconic programmes like Countryfile will profile the rurality of the district and the in-depth education programme with Bitesize invests in our young people."

It was announced that the BBC will be the broadcast partner for the Bradford 2025 City of Culture (Image: Newsquest)

The New Comedy Awards, Contains Strong Language poetry festival, a Countryfile special and a BBC Bitesize schools tour are just some of the creative and cultural highlights to mark Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.

The BBC is also commissioning a raft of new content for the city’s momentous year.

It was announced that the BBC will be the broadcast partner for the Bradford 2025 City of Culture (Image: Newsquest)

BBC Director-General Tim Davie has hailed what he described as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the creativity in Bradford.

Mr Davie said: “Bradford is home to vibrant, authentic story-telling and proud multi-cultural communities.

“We’ll be drawing on this rich history to bring people together through the joy and celebration of the arts, poetry, film, comedy and much, much more.

Shanaz Gulzar, creative director for Bradford 2025 City of Culture, speaks with BBC director general Tim Davie at the announcement that the BBC will be the official broadcast partner for the City of Culture (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s a huge honour to be a part of a legacy that will no doubt attract thousands of tourists and millions of pounds of investment to this outstanding city.”

Katrina Bunker, BBC Head of Yorkshire, said: “2025 promises to be an extraordinary year for Bradford.

“We’ll have coverage of the build-up and all the big moments across our online services, radio and TV. It’s going to be a very exciting year.”