HUNDREDS of people braved the rain and cold to marvel at the ice sculptures in the city centre.

Bradford BID’s Ice carnival proved to be a huge hit with the public who were in awe of the sculptures bringing ‘something different’ to Centenary Square.

There was a lively atmosphere with music, fire-throwing fairground rides and 10 ice sculptures, produced by the sculpting wizards at creative arts organisation Sand In Your Eye.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: An ice sculpture on display at Bradford Ice Carnival An ice sculpture on display at Bradford Ice Carnival (Image: Newsquest)

Samman Fareed, 19 from Bradford visited the Ice Carnival and described it as beautiful.

She said: “I was coming to the city centre but I looked this up online and came by.

“It’s very different and not something I’ve seen in Bradford.

“I want to bring my mum because I don’t think she’s ever seen anything like this before.

“It’s beautiful, I really like the angel wings over there.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Angel wings sculpture at Bradford ice CarnivalAngel wings sculpture at Bradford ice Carnival (Image: Newsquest)

Though the weather wasn’t optimal, people were taken back by the beauty of the shiny ice sculptures and a frame ice sculpture engraved with Bradford Bid proved to be popular.

People queued up to have their picture taken in the frame and children rushed around to take in all the sculptures.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ice throne at Bradford Ice carnival Ice throne at Bradford Ice carnival (Image: Newsquest)

The Hebden Bridge-based craftsmen carried out a live ice sculpture carve- a beautiful throne which people got to sit on and have their picture taken.

Margaret Lee, who travelled from Bingley solely for the Ice Carnival said: “It’s quite different for Bradford.

“It’s good to have these kinds of events that bring everyone together and get people out”

One family said: “It’s amazing. We’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ice Frame engraved with Bradford BIDIce Frame engraved with Bradford BID (Image: Newsquest)

The event is running over the weekend and will be on again tomorrow between 11 and 5pm.

The live sculpture carving will run at 11am tomorrow.

There are also free funfair rides, including teacups and carousels as well as street performers and the entertainment continues with an evening carnival live show at 6pm.

The Ice Carnival is organised and funded by Bradford BID and is run by a team of four (full and part-time) staff and volunteera. Last month it won a second five-year term which will see it continue its work until at least 2028.

Bradford BID project officer Leanne Holmes said: “The BID Ice Carnival is the third of the city’s big weekends – following Bradford is Lit and the City Centre Lights Switch On – which are aimed at getting everyone in the mood for a fantastic festive season!

“It’s a great opportunity to come and see how much Bradford city centre has to offer and have some fun while you get stuck into the annual task of Christmas shopping.”