Nostalgic reminders of bygone Bradford were put on display in the city centre this week, in the run up to Friday’s Positive Bradford Day.

An exhibition featuring photographs dating back as far as the 1920s has been set up in the shop window of an empty former bank premises in Bank Street, opposite the Zavvi shop.

The display, organised by Bradford University students who have been volunteering with Positive Bradford, also features artwork by children from schools across the district.

Jane Vincent is a co-founder of the not-for-profit organisation which was set up to promote the city and its achievements.

She said: “The Positive Bradford team is filling the window of the old bank with old photographs of Bradford, children’s pictures, posters.

“It’s to make the empty buildings, despite the fact they are empty, look more appealing, give people a reason to come into Bradford, and to look into the shop windows.

“We are hoping people will come in and see how Bradford was many moons ago, with trams and cobbled streets and all of that sort of thing.”

She said the team was looking ahead to Friday’s celebrations in the hope of sunshine. “We’ll have fun whatever happens,” she said. “It’s all coming together and we’re wanting to make sure people out there know about it.”

Student and Positive Bradford volunteer Michelle Scott said: “When I first came to Bradford four years ago I discovered the city’s wonderful old buildings and its architectural and industrial heritage.

“We want to brighten up some of the empty windows with photo displays, children’s art work and colourful decorations.”

The exhibition has been presented in association with property management company Sharma Williamson.

Friday’s entertainment will include a parade, a catwalk fashion show, cookery demonstrations, live music, cheerleaders and fire eating.

The winners of the Bradfactor talent contest will perform, and students at Bradford College will aim to set a new record with the world’s biggest samosa.