BRADFORD’S council leader is urging people to “speak positively” about the city as it bids to bring the Great Exhibition of the North to the district in 2018.

What you've had to say about Bradford's bid

This Friday, the Government will be shining a national spotlight on Bradford’s bid and locals are being urged to shout loud and proud about their hometown.

Throughout September, the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport is running a ‘social media showcase’ of one of the four finalists left in the competition.

Last Friday was Blackpool’s turn, and this week is Bradford’s chance to shine.

The other two areas left in the running are Sheffield and a joint bid from Newcastle and Gateshead.

The prize on offer is the chance to host the ten-week event in July and August 2018, which council officials think could bring one million people to the area and boost the local economy by £38 million. People are being encouraged to share photos of their favourite cultural landmark or area – the more imaginative, the better.

Susan Hinchcliffe, the leader of Bradford Council, said the competition was all about “showing off” all that is great about the North.

“This is not just about Bradford, it’s about the North, and we’re a gateway to the North,” she said.

“We’re well connected with other places in the North, and a number of them are now supporting our bid, such as Leeds and Halifax, which is great to see.

“We’re one of the youngest cities in the UK, 25 per cent of our population is under 16, and I think Government like the sound of that, it makes us a very dynamic and entrepreneurial city.

“This is about attracting visitors globally and nationally to the North, and we have those connections already in Bradford. We speak 150 languages, 85 per cent of our small businesses are trading and exporting to countries around the world, so we’re capitalising on those.

“What people can do is speak positively about Bradford and our chances. I’ll be doing that, and so will other institutions around the district, so please join in.”

On Friday, messages can be posted on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook using the hashtags #GreatNorthExpo2018 and #BradfordGXn.