Bradford has been revealed tonight as the UK's next City of Culture on live TV.
Speaking on the BBC's The One Show, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries revealed that the West Yorkshire city had been selected over the other three final shortlisted areas - Wrexham, Southhampton and Durham.
The decision means that Bradford will attract millions of pounds of investment, as well as spend a year in the cultural spotlight hosting numerous events.
As the news broke, Bradford locals hugged, cheered and cried in the crowd, before the camera panned to a group in Coventry holding up letters spelling out 'Congratulations Bradford 2025 from Coventry 2021".
A Bradford spokesperson said: "Congratulations to all the other cities for getting to this point, and come and party with us [...] in 2025!"
They added: "We're going to party all night"
The city follows in the footsteps of Coventry, Derry/Londonderry and Hull, who have all held the title since the first UK City of Culture was first announced in 2010.
A new city has been announced every four years since its inception.
The bidding process for 2025 was conducted between 2021 and 2022, with 20 areas initially shortlisted.
Dorries described Bradford as a “worthy winner” of the 2025 title.
She said: “Art and culture should be accessible to everyone and this prestigious title will help Bradford deliver unforgettable events for communities on their doorstep.
“Coventry has shown us how powerful the UK city of culture title is at boosting investment, attracting visitors and leaving a lasting legacy for local people.”
Ilkley Brewery tweeted in response to the news: "We are proud to be part of such a diverse, beautiful, creative and friendly community."
Bradford boasts a large number of cultural assets, including the Kala Sangam Arts Centre, which specialises in South Asian art, the Bradford Literature Festival, the Brontë Parsonage, Saltaire Unesco world heritage site and the National Science and Media Museum.
It successfully argued in a document as part of its application for the prestigious title that it would transform the area into a “creative powerhouse – building on our existing cultural assets and heritage; attracting significant investment, jobs, and new opportunities for everyone who lives and works here”.
The judges said they were impressed with Bradford's bid and the way it focused on celebrating the power of the city's diversity in order to create new opportunities.
Sir Phil Redmond, chair of the competition’s independent advisory panel, added: “The selection is never about whether one bid is better than another, it is more that one bid has the potential to make a bigger and deliverable impact …. I am looking forward to seeing how far the cultural bar can be raised in [2025].”
News
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first Chief Doughnut Tester
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Fancy it then? Does this sound like you?
Aspiring Chief Doughnut Testers can apply on the Morrisons website here, by filling in a short 200-words about why’re the ideal candidate.
Applications close at midnight tonight (Friday 5 June), so you’ll need to be quick.
Popular New York-style pizza pop-up confirms opening date for first takeaway in Leeds
Clementine Hall
New York-style pizza pop-up, Edges Pizza, is set to open in Leeds.
Last summer you may have had the privilege to enjoy a slice of Edges Pizza at one of their many pop-up residences across the city.
Their longest stint was at the sun-drenched roof terrace of Green Room, and it's safe to say their pizza went down an absolute treat.
Since then they've been a little quiet, but all for good reason it seems.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Edges will be opening their doors in Leeds city centre on Thursday 18 June in a vacant railway arch at Fourth Court on Bridge Road in Leeds' Holbeck area.
It won't be your average pizza shop though, you'll have to preorder for now but trust us - it's worth it.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Edges said: "WE FINALLY HAVE an opening date, Thursday 18th June! All pizzas are pre-ordered like we have always done, and are slightly limited for now (still looking for helping hands!!!). The pre-orders will open the day before at 12pm via our Storekit link.
"We’ll be then opening Wednesday to Friday, 4-9pm and Saturday & Sunday 3-9pm. If there are still remaining slots left on the day, you can order up to an hour before the collection time. We have limited seating, for those who travel and would like to eat in. There is plenty of car parking space, to pick up your pizza, too.
"We can’t wait to see you all soon & more importantly, we can’t wait to start making some good food for you again."
We can't wait to get our hands on a coveted Edges pizza slice again, so you best believe we'll be there at the opening with bells on.
The Hoot -
31st May 2022 
