Mayor of West Yorkshire celebrates as Bradford progresses in UK City of Culture 2025 competition

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Bradford has progressed in the UK City of Culture 2025 competition.

We saw fantastic entries from both Bradford and Wakefield; and I am disappointed that both cities were not chosen. However, I am looking forward to helping make sure that the whole of West Yorkshire would benefit from Bradford receiving this fantastic accolade.

Here in West Yorkshire, we have some of the finest creative and cultural people, festivals, and destinations anywhere in the country. I am enormously proud of the rich and diverse culture and talent we have across our region, and I can’t wait for the rest of the country and the World to see everything the city and its people have to offer.

Alongside Kirklees Year of Music 2023 and Leeds Year of Culture 2023, we are really going to shine a light on our region’s vibrant creative sectors.

I wish Bradford the very best of luck and will be supporting their bid every step of the way.”