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
The UK’s biggest Asian shopping mall is opening in Bradford this weekend
After years in the making, Signature Mall Bradford will be opening in the heart of the city.
Signature Mall is one of the UK’s most anticipated Asian retail and lifestyle destinations that will officially be opening its doors this Saturday 16 May.
This is a major milestone for the city, bringing together a mix of premium South Asian fashion, jewellery, beauty, dining, and lifestyle brands all under one roof.
It's a huge step for the city as the new opening is expected to attract thousands of visitors from all over the country.
Images: Supplied
The space has been designed to deliver a modern and seamless shopping experience, featuring a total of 45 vendors all in one mall.
You'll be able to find everything from premium jewellery and bridal retailers to family-friendly leisure facilities and beauty brands.
There will also be a large food and drink offering.
The opening of Signature Mall is also expected to generate new employment opportunities and provide a platform for both established and emerging businesses within the South Asian retail sector.
Signature Mall representatives have said: “Signature Mall is more than just a shopping destination, it is a celebration of culture, community, and entrepreneurship. We are proud to bring this exciting new development to Bradford and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond.”
The Signature Mall will be located on Preston Street in Bradford and you can find more about it here via their website.
An exhibition celebrating 70 years of Eurovision is heading to Bradford later this month
Thomas Melia
There's a brand new exhibition taking place in a major museum right in the centre of Bradford, celebrating 70 years of Eurovision.
Kicking off on Friday 15 May at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford this latest instalment is titled 'Setting the Stage: 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest'.
This new exhibition is dedicated to spotlighting iconic moments that have occurred throughout the annual music event's seven decade history.
It isn't just a chance to see and learn about all things Eurovision, there's also opportunities for you to get involved as this is an interactive experience.
Anyone paying a visit to this museum in Bradford will be able to put on a performance or two with a pop-up stage as well as voting in the Nil Points Jukebox.
This new exhibition taking place in a major museum right in the centre of Bradford is celebrating 70 years of Eurovision / Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons via supplied
In true National Science and Media Museum style, this exhibition devles into the music that has formed Eurovision's legacy as well as showing off all the impressive technical innovations and advancements.
Get up close and personal with gadgets like a Shure Duraplex headset that helps artists deliver groundbreaking performances without the need of a handheld microphone.
And step back in time by observing a Marconi Mk III camera head, which was used for broadcasts during the 50's, a real revelation of its time.
There will be content from fans and professionals who have contributed to the live music show in many ways, from outfits to hosts and of course the varying performers who captivate us every single year.
The main focus of this exhibition is the evolution of technology and production throughout Eurovision Song Contest's history, however music and performance are also acknowledged too.
Officially, the Eurovision Song Contest final will take place on Saturday 16 May and this Bradford museum is hosting a 'Setting the Stage: Live' event on this very date.
Expect a big family party with live music, a silent disco and a range of engaging activities like crafts and face-painting to get you into the Eurovision spirit.
If you're interested in celebrating 70 years of Eurovision by checking out 'Setting the Stage', you can find tickets and more info HERE.
Josh Teal -
26th May 2021 
