Bradford! David Hockney! Zayn Malik! The Media Museum! What’s not to love? If you don’t have a soft spot for Bradford, I struggle to think what you might have a soft spot for.
Yeah, the city’s gone through some tough times over the years but its history and culture is a rich as any other in the UK.
Here's how...
IT USED TO HAVE THE LARGEST INDUSTRIAL BUILDING EVER
In the world! The now famous Salts Mills was designed by Lockwood and Mawson for Sir Titus Salt in 1853. Today it’s a shopping centre, art gallery and restaurant complex.
Back in the day, it served as a textile mill which didn’t shut up shop until 1986.
Telegraph and Argus
THERE’S A TON OF HEADQUARTERS BASED HERE
Bradford is home to a number of company headquarters.
Yorkshire Building Society, Morrisons, Provident Financial, Hallmark Cards, Arris and Yorkshire Water are all based in Braddy. Over 40 large companies have their HQ in the district and employ more than 370,000. Their combined turnover is around £30 billion.
CURRY CAPITAL
Don’t really need to say anything else, do I? You all know the drill. You want a great curry, you go to Bradford.
It was named the Curry Capital of Britain for five years running, in fact.
Stop reading and book a table at any curry house in Bradford right now.
THERE’S A BUNCH OF YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS HERE
The city has a young and creative workforce. Self-employment and business start-ups are on the rise like never before, which is a great thing when you’re in the youngest city in the UK, with almost a quarter of its population under 16 years old.
Things, hopefully, can only get better from here on out.
Getty
IT WAS THE FIRST CITY OF FILM
Leeds may have been home to the first motion pictures, it was Bradford that beat out Cannes, Venice and LA to become the world’s first UNESCO City of Film in 2009.
Bradford continues to host a collection of internationally renown film festivals. And did I mention the Media Museum?
WE HAVE A CLASS THEATRE
You know this one. It isn’t a secret. But how good is the Alhambra? Built in 1913 for £20,000, this much-adored theatre has welcomed a host of high-profile names including Laurel and Hardy, Morecambe and Wise, Peter Sellers and Rik Mayall onto its boards.
It was awarded Grade II listed status in 1974.
OH, AND ST GEORGE’S HALL
St George’s Hall opened its doors on August 29, 1853 and remains a firm favourite to this day. It’s both the oldest in the UK and third oldest in the WHOLE continent.
Originall built for a 3,500 capacity, it now seats 1,500. It was financed by German Jewish wool merchants who moved to Bradford for the rising textile industry.
In 2016, it was closed for an £8.5 million restoration project.
WE’RE EXPERIENCING THE BIGGEST POPULATION GROWTH
I’ve already told you about Bradford being the UK’s youngest city but it’s also the fastest growing one, population-wise.
Between 2001 and 2011 the overall population grew by 11% to 470,800. In other words, don’t worry that David Hockney and Zayn Malik are now Stateside. There’s more than enough replacements knocking about as we speak.
Bradford
Shortlist for 2026 Mercury Prize announced with several northern names making the cut
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
Pioneering Bradford artist David Hockney has passed away aged 88
Clementine Hall
David Hockney, one of Britain's most influential and recognisable artists, has sadly died.
Born in Bradford in 1937, David Hockney built a career spanning more than six decades and became one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
He was best known for his vibrant paintings, from the iconic swimming pools of Los Angeles to the sweeping landscapes of Yorkshire and Normandy.
And of course you can't forget the adorable paintings of his sausage dogs Stanley and Boodgie.
This morning on Friday 12 June, it was sadly announced that David Hockney had passed away - just one month prior of his 89th birthday.
Admired by critics and the public alike, Hockney's work was exhibited around the world and attracted record-breaking prices, cementing his place as one of the defining artists of the modern era.
Most recently, his incredibly immersive exhibition 'Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)' was a hit across the country, proving his work still resonated with the people of today.
His work at Salts Mill has remained in exhibit for years, including his special digital drawings that he did on his iPad.
His death marks the end of a truly extraordinary career, but his influence on British culture and contemporary art will endure for years to come.
A true West Yorkshire icon that will be missed by many from across the globe. RIP David.
Josh Teal -
26th May 2021 
