We're so proud of our great city!

Movers and shakers from industry and the community packed a hall at Bradford University for Something To Shout About!

Their aim was to give people plenty of good things to say about Bradford both locally and beyond.

The Bradford Public Relations Group, who arranged the day, had no problem in finding people to speak about the source of their pride.

Bradford-born Steve Abbott, who produced the hit film Brassed Off, told the crowd not to be surprised when massive West End shows like Les Miserables arrive at the Alhambra.

"We are a major city. We are a top ten city and we shouldn't apologise for it,'' he said.

"I hope that the confidence that comes from successes like these spills out to other areas of city life and stops us feeling we need to live in the shadow of Leeds."

Bradford and District's TEC strategic marketing director, Simon Bray, said the city had a "unique spirit". Some cities had been quicker to market their image but Bradford had more to offer - be it in the shape of the Cottingley Fairies, the birthplace of the Labour Party or Bradford Bulls' Superleague success.

"Perhaps it's easier to laugh at oneself than to promote oneself," he said.

YTV presenter Christa Ackroyd told how Bradford had played a part in her successful TV career.

Other speakers included Alex Hall who presents the late evening show on Pulse. She introduced a group of young people who had made a film discussing the issue of empowering young people to set up their own projects.

Charles Forgan, from Bradford Congress, said he had particularly enjoyed the focus on young people and the future. Lord Mayor of Bradford Tony Cairns agreed and said it had been a very worthwhile day.

"A lot of people are in their own little niches and don't know what's going on in other parts," he said. It encouraged people working for Bradford's good.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.