Transforming Perceptions: The UK’s New Cultural Hub Aims for a Fresh Start

As Bradford embarks on its journey as the UK City of Culture, it aims not only to present a new image to the rest of the nation but also seeks to gain the trust of skeptics within the city.

One of the initial performances is a radio drama penned by broadcaster Nick Ahad, which addresses Bradford’s tarnished image.

“The working title of this drama was ‘Bradford, City of Culture?!’ because we anticipated that’s how people would feel upon learning we would serve as the City of Culture for 2025,” he elaborates.

Ahad ultimately opted for the outstanding title Bilal and Ted’s Bradfordian Adventure, which is available on BBC Sounds. Among the cast is Seeta Wrightson, a comedian hailing from the city.

“I believe it has been unjustly labeled negatively. I attribute this to the fact that in media or on social platforms, people tend not to highlight positive aspects.”

Wrightson is correct.

The coverage about Bradford tends to be harsh. Recently, news articles have labeled it as Britain’s bleakest city (due to its minimal sunshine) and the second most unpleasant area to reside in.

Enter the phrase “Why is Bradford so….?” into a search engine and observe the results. The likelihood is you’ll be presented with autofill suggestions like – “bad”, “dangerous”, and “poor”.

This sentiment isn’t only from those outside the city. Dr. Paul Sullivan of Bradford University has researched the stigma associated with it. Originating from Cork, Ireland, a location where comedians ridicule its inflated self-image, he found Bradford to be quite distinct.

“What astonished me was… the almost complete absence of civic pride.

“Even when perusing the local daily, some headlines might be quite encouraging, yet beneath them lie numerous comments that express, ‘This is a tragedy, it will surely fail, Bradford is destined for failure’.”

Nonetheless, Dr. Sullivan appreciates the city.

“I adore the city. I fell for Bradford immediately. The city center, the stunning landscape— it genuinely surprised me to witness such negativity.”

He surmises that much of this negativity stems from an external and nearly “ideological bias” against the city’s ethnic pluralism.

“I feel there’s a hesitation to accept that Bradford can thrive—a tendency for others to wish for Bradford’s downfall.”

Nonetheless, in light of this antagonism, he senses a burgeoning development.

In his recent conversations with locals, “a genuine feeling of pride in their belonging emerged.”

Ahad and Wrightson also touched upon this topic. The diversity has become entirely commonplace.

“I’m Bangladeshi and English. My wife is Pakistani and Indian, and here, it feels unnecessary to explain,” Ahad remarks.

“Absolutely,” concurs Wrightson. “I come from a mixed heritage; my mother is Indian, my father is English. Growing up, it was never a significant issue.”

The title City of Culture has for numerous individuals become an opportunity to transcend the challenges and celebrate the growth stemming from its diversity.

Natalie Davies, an actress and playwright from Bradford, is developing a theatrical piece about the city’s nightlife.

“The negative associations that have lingered for years are outdated, and that’s not reflective of Bradford.

“I consider myself fortunate. I have been involved in television, film, theatre, and radio, and I always advocate for Bradford whenever I’m on set.

“This is genuinely a wonderful place, and what stands out is that anyone, from any background, can arrive in Bradford and feel a sense of belonging, and we embrace that. Visitors come and undeniably feel the warmth of welcome.

“It’s breathtaking.”

City of Culture has provided an opportunity for individuals to reflect on Bradford’s cultural legacy and the renowned figures that hail from this area.

Notable names include artist David Hockney, playwright JB Priestley, composer Delius, and the Bronte sisters.

“Emily Bronte is someone whose origins being from Bradford is usually taken for granted,” states Wrightson.

For her, City of Culture represents a chance to examine what makes the city unique. Repeatedly, in conversations with younger residents of Bradford, while some mention the Brontes, the stunning Victorian architecture, the introduction of free school meals, or the city’s diversity – nearly everyone tends to agree that the variety of food available is a highlight.

Unquestionably, no two individuals ever seem to concur on where the finest curry can be found, yet one of the most renowned eateries is Akbar’s, famous for its creation of the massive suspended naan.

Designed to save table space, the family naan has grown to a scale that has overwhelmed even the heartiest of Yorkshire appetites.

“Many have attempted. None have prevailed,” claims Samad Iqbal, who began his journey at Akbar’s as a teenager and proudly represents a city which calls itself the Capital of Curry.

“Some refer to it as elephant ears. Others call it a Christmas tree. However, this family naan has reached global renown.

“I take immense pride in Bradford, as I am a local. It is a wonderful environment to live in, and an amazing location to dine. Establishments like this exemplify the true essence of Bradford.”

It seems that Bradford 2025 has already started to leave its mark. Dr. Sullivan notes that it has inspired people to discuss the city in a more positive light.

“In recent years, we have observed a transformation. I am sharing my personal views here, rather than research, but I believe we are witnessing a move towards community pride, and I believe the true catalyst for this change will be Bradford 2025.”