'IT was Bradford that got this win - the response has been immense.'

That was the message from the Director of Bradford 2025 as the city clinched the UK City of Culture 2025 title last night.

Bradford was announced as the winner live on The One Show.

A large crowd gathered in front of the big screen in City Park for entertainment, food, a live broadcast of the show and in hope of what we had all been waiting for.

The collective erupted in joy and euphoria when Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries revealed Bradford’s name as the winner in Coventry – which held the title last.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: There were jubilant scenes in Bradford's City Park as the result was announced There were jubilant scenes in Bradford's City Park as the result was announced

Bradford beat Southampton, County Durham and Wrexham.

The city was filled with optimism and colour – quite literally in the form of a cacophony of multicoloured flares being let off into the sky.

Among the bubbling atmosphere, the Telegraph & Argus spoke to Richard Shaw, Director of Bradford 2025 – the man in charge of the city’s bid – and Bradford West MP Naz Shah.

Mr Shaw said: “I’m incredibly happy for Bradford.

“I might have played a part of it but it was Bradford that got this win.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Cheers erupted as Bradford was announced as UK City of Culture 2025Cheers erupted as Bradford was announced as UK City of Culture 2025

“When I first came, it was just an idea really in people’s minds but the response since has been immense.

“What’s happened is the entirety of Bradford has moved in to win this.

“Actually Bradford wanted this and it was the people power that lifted this into existence, that’s what I’ve learnt here.

“Put people together and I’ve seen encouragement and passion.”

Ms Shah said: “We smashed it, that’s the one word I can describe it.

“Bradford did what Bradford does, smashed it.”

The MP – who has represented her constituency since 2015 – was never in any doubt that Bradford would get the win.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The delight was clear to see - it was the result everyone had been hoping forThe delight was clear to see - it was the result everyone had been hoping for

Both Ms Shah and Mr Shaw – who is Yorkshire-born and was adorned in a pinstriped suit with “Bradford 2025” running down it – feel the title will allow the city to take back its narrative and allow those who know it best to showcase all that is wonderful about Bradford.

Mr Shaw said: “So I think it’s going to tell a different story about Bradford to the rest of the UK.

“Allow Bradford to tell its own stories rather than have stories told about it.

“Allow people who live and work here to tell the stories they wanted to tell.”

Ms Shah said: “It allows us to reclaim our story as a city, which should celebrate our diversity.

“It gives us that story back. Claiming our diversity, with celebration.

“We’re absolutely deserving and it’s fitting for Bradford to get this bid today.

“It’s an amazing team, I’m so grateful to the Bradford 2025 team and Bradford that’s delivered.

“It’s our place, our time to shine.”

She added: “It’s once in a generation, it can only go upwards, without a doubt.”