AROUND 10,000 people turned out for Brighter Still - the final act of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture.
From live music to a pyrotechnic display and flames, Myrtle Park in Bingley became the stage for the dramatic finale at the weekend.
Bradford 2025 said there were 5,000 attendees on both days.
What was Brighter Still?
The sold-out event featured a community cast of all ages, dancers, poets and choirs.
It blended together BMX riders, bhangra and bassline, gospel choirs, folk song, poetry, pompoms, and much more.
The grand finale of Bradford 2025 hoped to bring people together to celebrate the end of the district’s spectacular year in the spotlight.
It was a chance to hear Bradford’s people, stories and culture, and mark the winter solstice - a moment of hope and new beginnings.
A 'more positive outlook' for the city
Performing in a show was a first for Gavin Wood, a community cast member of Brighter Still.
He said: "I've never had the opportunity to do anything like this, but really enjoy theatre, dance, and musicals.
“I find myself looking on enviously at the performers and the amazing things they do, and think ‘I'd love to do that!’
“I'm Bradford born and bred, and incredibly proud of my roots; it's a beautiful place to live, and I feel like the City of Culture is helping the city turn its narrative around towards a more positive outlook."
Reflection on 'remarkable year'
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “We’ve concluded this remarkable year by putting local people centre stage where they belong - people aged 8 to 80 celebrating creativity and imagination.
"Brighter Still is dynamic reflection of Bradford, honouring our heritage, marking the present, and looking to the future. It was a hopeful, beautiful and monumental end to the year.”
'Fantastic finale'
Shipley MP Anna Dixon (Labour), whose constituency covers Myrtle Park, came down to see the show unfold.
She described it as a “fantastic finale in Bingley to Bradford 2025”.
The MP said: “Thanks to all the volunteers and performers who created such an inspiring story and spectacle.
“It was also great to see Bingley Market Square buzzing with people enjoying pre and post show food and drink around the fire pit.”
'We will build on this legacy'
In a social media post, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said Bradford 2025 had been “incredible”.
She said: “What. A. Year.
“And it’s not over. We will build on your legacy to make West Yorkshire the place for culture and creativity.”
