Bradford and Wakefield face off in 2025 City of Culture bid
They've been officially named on the list of 20 places in the running
West Yorkshire cities Bradford and Wakefield are both competing to be named UK City of Culture for 2025.
They've been officially named on the list of places bidding to host the year of cultural festivities.
The scheme is designed to help "level up" areas outside London, using culture as a catalyst, according to ministers.
Bradford's bid for UK City of Culture 2025
Bradford’s campaign is led by Keighley-born visual artist Shanaz Gulzar.
She tells Hits Radio West Yorkshire what this title would mean to the people of Bradford: “Winning the 2025 City of Culture title will turbocharge the work that we’re already doing.”
“It will give us the confidence to acknowledge that it’s not just us who believe in ourselves but our friends and our colleagues and our peers nationally believe in Bradford.”
Shanaz describes the feeling between the cities in this competition as one of "companionship and rivalry."
Wakefield's bid for UK City of Culture 2025
Julie Russell, Wakefield Council’s Service Director for Arts, Culture and Leisure, told Hits Radio West Yorkshire: “We have huge heritage tradition in creativity and culture, with Hepworth and Moore, but we also have brilliant future ambition for creativity and culture to be for everyone and everywhere.
“We know that culture brings inclusive growth. It makes sure everyone can benefit from improved skills, learning and, of course, fun!”
Speaking of Bradford's bid, Julie added: "It will be a lovely friendly rivalry, just like we have in rugby league."
Bradford and Wakefield are just 2 of 20 cities who are bidding for the title, the greatest number of bids in the competition’s history.
These will be whittled down over the coming weeks to create a long-list, ahead of the announcement of the shortlist and winner next year.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This record number of applications from all four corners of the country is testament to the huge success of City of Culture in generating investment, creating jobs and boosting local pride.
“This prestigious prize creates a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to build back better from the pandemic and I wish all bidders the very best of luck.”
The title is currently held by Coventry, which has seen over £100 million in investment in cultural projects since winning the bid in December 2017.
To find out more about each city's bid, you can visit the campaign websites for both Bradford and Wakefield.