Heavy rain has failed to dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of people celebrating Positive Bradford Day in Centenary Square.

A parade of schoolchildren, dancers, emergency service workers and entertainers - many wearing ponchos or carrying umbrellas - has wound its way through City Park to mark the start of the day’s celebrations.

The event, considerably bigger than last year’s, includes 45 market stalls, a food marquee, live entertainment and music performances.

Jane Vincent, a co-founder of Positive Bradford, a not-for-profit voluntary group, said: “We are experiencing typical English weather but the fact every single person who committed to the event, bar two stalls, is here, is a massive achievement and it’s typical Bradford spirit.

“The day is really important because of the constant negative press Bradford gets. It’s really important to let people know there’s some positive things going on in the city. It’s everybody coming together to highlight what positive things they do in Bradford.”