BRADFORDIANS were basking in the glorious summer sunshine yesterday as the country’s second heatwave of the year began to take hold.
The mercury topped 29 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and large scores of children and families were enjoying the delights of The Mirror Pool and surrounding area during the morning and well into the afternoon.
Some had even travelled from out of the city to take in the attraction’s copious fountains, with schools still out for the summer.
Jenny Moran brought her two children and niece from Halifax, along with her friend and her two children.
The journey to Bradford was simple, with just one straight bus trip, and Ms Moran definitely thinks it is important these free fun spaces are available, particularly in the current climate of rising bills and costs.
She said: “I’ve got a week off work this week, I’ve got pretty much zero money, so this is ideal.
“£7.50 bus pass, possibly an ice-cream later, that’s all it’s going to cost me.
“We’ll be here for the majority of the day now.”
Ms Moran added: “As long as there’s water, they’re happy.”
Meanwhile, Gemma, from Clayton, is a childminder and was looking after seven children yesterday, including two of her own.
She said: “In this weather, and school holidays, you’re stuck for things to do.
“It’s free, it’s easy, they’re having the best time so far, we had a picnic, they’re getting out, enjoying themselves.”
Gemma agrees with the sentiment that free attractions like this are vital and The Mirror Pool in particular is a unique selling point for Bradford.
She said: “It’s very important, look at everybody having fun, you don’t see it anywhere else.
“It’s nice, there’s toilets around, places to drink.
“They’re probably going to want to come back now every day.”
The hot weather has also brought an increase in business for companies around The Mirror Pool.
Drew Oldfield, Supervisor at Cake’ole, said the amount of kids and families enjoying the attraction has brought a lot of customers, even if they are just taking out.
He added: “From my personal point of view, energy bills are going up, people are going out.
“It’s just like going on holiday, it’s really sunny.”
Mr Singh, who runs iCreams on the edge of City Park and off Aldermanbury, said: “Obviously ice-cream is big business today, business just flies.
“Everyone is happy, the sun’s shining, people like it, I like it.”
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