Bradford 2025 To Receive £5.7 million in Funding From West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Bradford is set for a cultural transformation with almost £6 million investment for 2025 City of Culture

In a major boost to the region’s aspirations, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has announced a substantial investment to support Bradford’s role as the UK City of Culture 2025. With 2025 quickly approaching, regional leaders have approved over £6 million in funding aimed at fuelling economic growth through the enhancement of West Yorkshire’s creative industries.

A significant portion of this investment, amounting to £5.7 million, is earmarked for the delivery of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. This funding will facilitate a landmark year of cultural festivities, including events, festivals, and celebrations, intended to highlight the rich and vibrant communities within Bradford and showcase the dynamic creative industries of West Yorkshire to a global audience.

The City of Culture title, previously awarded to cities like Coventry and Hull, has been associated with a surge in both local and international visitors and substantial economic advancement. The upcoming cultural celebrations in Bradford are anticipated to generate a similarly profound impact, boosting the region and beyond.

Daniel Bates, Executive Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, expressed his enthusiasm: “West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s investment is another huge vote of confidence in our ambitious plans for Bradford 2025. This is Bradford’s time, and we are preparing for the biggest and best ever celebration of Bradford’s culture in all its forms. We want Bradford to be a district where creative people choose to live and thrive – our district-wide programme will be bold, distinctive and unmistakeably ‘Bradford’ and we can’t wait to show the world what we’re capable of.”

Echoing Bates’ sentiments, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, welcomed the additional £6m funding: “This additional £6m of funding approved by West Yorkshire Combined Authority is very welcome and shows the level of confidence our partners have in what will be an amazing year for Bradford, West Yorkshire and the UK.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, also commented on the investment, “West Yorkshire is the place to be for culture and creativity – more so now than ever, with the epic Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 just months away. Investing in culture is a key part of building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

This financial backing from the WYCA represents a significant milestone in the preparation for the UK City of Culture 2025, positioning Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire region at the forefront of the UK’s cultural and creative landscape. As 2025 draws near, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unparalleled celebration of culture and creativity in Bradford.

Photo by Mohamed Khan: