THE VERY Revd Andy Bowerman has become the new Dean of Bradford, following his installation at Bradford Cathedral on Sunday.

The service, which was also streamed online, was led by the Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds.

He was joined by the Deans of Ripon and Wakefield Cathedrals and the residentiary clergy of Bradford Cathedral, including Revd Canon Paul Maybury, who has been Acting Dean since the retirement of the Very Revd Jerry Lepine in 2021.

The Very Revd Bowerman was ‘licensed’ by the Bishop of Leeds as incumbent, meaning that he was given the authority to exercise spiritual responsibilities in the Cathedral and parish, and was then ‘inducted’ by the archdeacon, meaning that he has the authority to exercise the necessary legal responsibilities.

The Very Revd Bowerman is no stranger to the city, having been ordained in Bradford Cathedral in 2002, running a successful church in a Saltaire café and also being chaplain at Bradford City for five seasons.

He returns to the Bradford following four years in Dubai working with the Mission to Seafarers.

He said: “The installation was a really moving experience. It was so humbling – but exciting - to be here in front of all those people and to make the commitments and promises to God and to them.

“It’s wonderful to be back in Bradford. We really enjoyed our 10 years here. We’re looking forward to seeing Bradford flourish and becoming the city it can be.

“Bradford 2025 is such a wonderful opportunity. Finally, people are seeing the potential here in Bradford and the Cathedral absolutely wants to play a full part in that.”

The Rt Revd Nick Baines added: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to install Andy as the new Dean of Bradford. We have both interesting and exciting times ahead.”

The Installation on Sunday – which was preceded by the Bradford Cathedral bells ringing out across the city - saw the building packed out with congregation members, civic guests and faith representatives, members of the Council and the Lord Mayor.

Music was provided by the Full Foundation of Bradford Cathedral Choir, conducted by Alexander Berry, alongside the female choristers of Bath Abbey (directed by Huw Williams) of which his daughter is a member.

Other highlights included the presentation of gifts to Dean Andy and his wife from the Church Wardens, and the first sermon by Dean Andy in his new role. The occasion was rounded off with refreshments and the cutting of a cake.