BRADFORD kicked off its Christmas festivities with a spectacular show in the city centre - which included lively music performances, an extravagant firework display and, of course, the lights being switched on.

Thousands of people gathered from in and out of Bradford at The Broadway and City Park on Saturday evening.

The 13-minute firework display - coming from the top of the NCP car park in Hall Ings - was truly stunning as the city's night sky was illuminated.

Organised by the Bradford Business Improvement District, some rockets reached up to 750ft high.

WATCH: Spectacular firework show illuminates the night sky in Bradford city centre

This event proceeded the entertainment provided at the shopping centre by the likes of rapper Tinchy Stryder, reality star Jake Quickenden and the extremely talented Ellie Sax.

Quickenden, known for his spells on the X Factor, I'm a Celeb and Dancing on Ice, warmed up the crowd nicely.

Covers of Wonderwall and Kings of Leon's Use Somebody went down a treat.

International star Sax then brought the energy belting out popular numbers on her saxophone.

Despite the odd technical hiccup at the start, Stryder brought us all back to the late noughties by performing hits 'Number One', 'Spaceship' and 'Never Leave You'.

It was then time for all three acts to join Pulse 1's Danny Mylo and Rosie Madison to light up Broadway by slamming down the magic lever.

IN PICTURES: Bradford Christmas lights switch on followed by stunning firework display

Ian Ward, General Manager at The Broadway, Bradford, said: "We really could not have asked for more. Crowds just built and built as the day went on.

"The number of families that came out is just remarkable to see.

"We got a reputation in 2019 that we know how to put on a good event and then we were unable to do anything for 18 months.

"Six months ago, when we looked at this, we were still unsure whether it could happen. It is only in the last ten weeks when we have chucked the kitchen sink at it.

"People needed a good reason to come out. It is so good to see people with smiles on their faces enjoying that social engagement again.

"My team deserve a big pat on the back for getting this over the line.

"The idea of having events like these is that you are bringing people in. By getting the acts you want, people will stay longer, and you hope that they go spend money.

"It is the start of the festive season and hopefully the start to the feel-good factor coming back to the high street.

"We wanted to create a good impression which makes people come back into Bradford.

"I guarantee you when the fireworks go off, you will not have ever seen anything like that in Bradford before.”

And Mr Ward was not far off the mark, a night to remember for all that attended.