THERE was a rare moment of political unity at this week’s meeting of Bradford Council, with all parties uniting to support the District’s City of Culture bid.

On Monday Bradford will officially write to government to inform them that the District plans to bid to be the 2025 City of Culture.

And at a meeting of the Council on Monday, members supported a motion, brought forward by the leaders of the three main political parties, to fully support the bid.

The meeting heard that a successful bid could bring an extra 1.1 million visitors to Bradford in 2025, help create 3,000 jobs and attract £250 million worth of investment.

Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: "It is a tragedy that people can go through life without realising they were a brilliant painter, actor or musician because they never got the chance. Just think what we've missed out on in the District because we didn't realise the talent we had.

"If we harness that talent we will be a successful place. It is not just the creators that miss out, it is the spectators too.

Bradford gets ready to make City of Culture intention official

"At times of national crisis just like this culture can feed the soul. We need more experiences. I don't care what type of culture it is, as long as it is quality and people flock to see it. Right now there aren't enough opportunities like that in the District.

"It is also about changing who people think we are. It's high time people realises how brilliant the Bradford District and its people are.

"As Councillors we all get tired with reading stories in the national press that misrepresent us.

"It is frustrating on a personal level and demotivates investors who we want to attract here.

"Exceptional cultural experiences will draw people to the District and they can experience things though their own senses, not through third party reports. How many people do we all know who have visited and fall in love with the place?

"We need more people to experience Bradford themselves and come back, and bring their friends."

She listed the various cultural attractions, galleries and museums in the District and added: "Whilst these assets are our pride and joy, they are not enough to achieve what is possible.

"The competition doesn't want to go to a place that has it all, they want to make a difference. We know we can make a huge difference with a winning bid. The designation would be transformational for the District."

She said it was the people of Bradford who would win the title, not Councillors.

Conservative Leader Rebecca Poulsen said: "It is not just about the City of Culture, it is about embedding culture in the lives and communities around the District.

"People who say 'what is culture to do with me?' are the ones we need to engage with."

She pointed out how the Pandemic had hit tourism in places like Haworth, in her ward, and that a successful bid could help local leisure businesses bounce back.

She pointed out that the bid would have to include all parts of the Bradford District.

Cllr Poulsen added: "Whether we win or lose, we need to use our cultural offer to build back our District."

Cllr Jeanette Sunderland, Lib Dem Leader, said: "This is about investing in our young people, to show them more of the world, give them more opportunities, more chances to raise their aspirations.

"It will put the District on centre stage for the right reasons."