COMMUNITY and religious figures from Bradford have reacted after it was crowned the UK’s City of Culture 2025.
Dr Javed Bashir, who is a safeguarding consultant at Strengthening Faith Institutions, is hoping that the victory can help promote further investment in the district.
Dr Bashir, who helped to deliver food to vulnerable people during the pandemic and has worked to encourage community cohesion in the district for over two decades, added that he believes Bradford’s success is well-deserved.
“Bradford has always been a City of Culture - it is great that it has been recognised officially now,” he said.
“Bradford is a large, diverse and globally connected district with long-standing traditions of welcoming people from across the world.
“All of those people have played their part in contributing to its history, heritage, cultural and economic life.”
Dr Bashir, born in Pakistan and raised in Keighley, added: “The Bradford district has a diverse and vibrant population with an entrepreneurial spirit.
“Our district is formed of a network of cities, towns and villages, each of which have their own unique identities, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and moorland.
“Cultural diversity makes the Bradford district a unique and interesting place – and the sharing of these cultures brings people even closer together.
“Bradford has been a vibrant, friendly, creative and cosmopolitan city with a population of over half a million people – speaking around 70 different languages – for many years.
“This diverse community has hosted a wide range of dazzling street events and festivals, including vibrant, colourful and multicultural programmes of theatre, art, music, dance and food from around the world.
“I hope by being named City of Culture 2025, and by involving people at grassroot levels, it will create huge creative potential and put in place the foundations for an inclusive, diverse and culturally rich Bradford district for future generations.
“This is fantastic news for Bradford and hopefully we can sustain it beyond City of Culture.”
Dr Manoj Joshi DL, Chair of Bradford Economic Partnership, added: “This title will transform the profile and perceptions of Bradford, build upon our proud heritage and attract people to develop the economic, tourism and social benefits of Bradford.”
Reverend Nathan Javed, of Bradford-based GBM Churches, also said: “This win is fantastic news for Bradford.
“Our ambition should be an inclusive City of Culture, nurturing talent in the area and giving our diverse communities a city to be proud of.”
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