On Friday 10 January, I joined over 10,000 well-insulated Bradfordians in a perishingly cold City Park to help celebrate the start of the city’s year as the UK’s City of Culture. There had been signs on the way into the city that a successful evening was in the offing – the platforms and trains on the line heading into Forster Square were unusually busy for a late Friday afternoon. There was a sense of anticipation.
The city had had 30 months, since it was awarded the role in May 2022, to make sure that it made the most of its City of Culture status. It was following Derry-Londonderry (2013), Hull (2017) and Coventry (2021) – all of which had claimed significant benefits from their year in the spotlights. Nearby Leeds had lost out on its bid to become European City of Culture due to Brexit (but bravely went ahead anyway). Could Bradford further boost West Yorkshire pride?
Goat curry fuelled build-up
We streamed towards City Park, and the crowds became denser as we were funnelled into the ticket and security areas. This was where it really struck home that Bradford was preparing for a couple of big nights – bag checks, ticket scanning, wristbands (wristbands??!!), and an army of cheerful security staff. Once into the park it became obvious that the two things to focus on were keep moving and hot food. The area was full of people hopping from foot to foot, and carrying out improvised dance moves as if to some silent disco – this constant movement continued in the snake-like food queues. Keep warm. Keep warm. The goat curry with rice and beans (other foods were available) was perfect – tasty, filling and hot – and in true Bradfordian style, reasonably priced.
The main event – RISE
On we went to the Mirror Pool area (thankfully drained). The crowd was encouraged forwards by the DJ towards two high towers of scaffolding and fabric and a central stage, with the town hall colourfully lit to the left, the magistrates court steps showing through in the middle, and the tall windowed corner of One City Park to the right, with the illuminated outline of the Alhambra behind. Quite a stage. But for what? I’ll let the organisers explain:
“RISE is an open-air spectacular inspired by the people and places of our district. Created by award-winning director Kirsty Housley with Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo), RISE celebrates the magic of Bradford – and, above all, the people who make it what it is.
“This dazzling show features a 200-strong cast, including professional performers and the people of Bradford. There’ll be aerialists, projections, music from a huge community choir and orchestra, and much more – including, of course, some breathtaking magic.”
So, how was it?
It worked. It really worked. The poetry was forthright and proud, the aerialists (inside the cubes of the tall, scaffolded structures) were inventive and visually striking, the orchestra and dancers high in the windows of One City Park were a delightful surprise, and the Bradford Friendship Choir on the steps of the court building were a complete knock-out. Dry eyes were wetted.
Finally, proud son of Bradford Steven Frayne came on stage to declare his ongoing love for his city and to dazzle and confuse us with his trickery. That’s what the wrist band were for!
As the crowds left, they made a sound that is best described as a BUZZ.
On the following day, Saturday, appeals had to be broadcast asking people not try to come to the event if they didn’t have tickets. Word had obviously got out from the Friday night sell-out crowd and no chances were being taken.
The rest of the year
It is an obvious aim of Bradford 2025 creative director Shanaz Gulzar to celebrate as much of the rich diversity of Bradford’s culture – past and present – as possible. The initial programming is wide-ranging – hitting as many art forms, and audiences as possible – and there is more, much more, to come. Do yourself a favour and get along to the Bradford2025 website: sign up to their mailing list, become a volunteer, do stuff. Bradford has always had its nay-sayers. If the opening ceremony and initial programming are anything to go by then there will be many, many more yay-sayers by the end of 2025.
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