HUNDREDS gathered in City Park tonight to show solidarity towards all Bradford citizens.

A vigil named Bradford Says Everyone Stay was organised by 31-year-old Javaad Alipoor, of Thorpe Edge, who said he was concerned about racism following the Brexit vote in the EU referendum.

Scores of people held up banners stating ‘we are a nation of love’, ‘welcome to strangers’, Bradford says they stay’, and my Bradford, our Bradford, everyone’s Bradford.

Mr Alipoor said: “I was really concerned straight after the referendum about the rise in racism and xenophobia towards immigrants and felt immigration was being used as a political chip. The number of comments I got on my Facebook page showed people were concerned about it.

“A group of us got together and decided to hold a vigil to show we are against it. I did expect quite a lot of people to come but I was amazed at how many came. It was fantastic.

“This is sending out the message against racism.”

Maureen Myers, who runs a Wednesday afternoon singing group Sing for Joy, in Shipley Kirkgate Centre, said she went along because she had heard of the vigil and wanted to be a part of it.
"I wouldn't be here if it was not for immigration," she said. 
"My grandparents were Russian Jews and came over to Leeds. They were welcomed and settled here. Everyone has come from somewhere. It is so good to see so many people joining in here (in Centenary Square). It is solidarity."

The vigil began at 5.30pm and a number of presentations were made by the organises.