Businesses from Bradford’s Asian community are showcasing a ground swell of support to help the district secure UK City of Culture 2025.
The title, which is awarded every four years by the government, could be a game-changer for Bradford, putting the city firmly on the national and international stage. The UK City of Culture designation has had a dramatic once-in-a-generation impact on previous host cities, raising the bar for arts and cultural activities and acting as a catalyst for inward investment; boosting visitor numbers and creating jobs and opportunities for skills development for young people.
Asian businesses from a whole range of sectors have already thrown their weight behind the bid, including Bradford-based telecommunications company, ITC, one of the leading telecoms suppliers in the country headed up by Nasar Hussain; Asian restaurant and catering business, My Lahore and the Yorkshire Asian Business Association.
Nasar said: “The bid is a fantastic opportunity for Bradford to showcase the depth of culture we have. It was imperative for us to engage at an early stage and support Bradford’s campaign. We have committed as a company however, more importantly facilitated a number of conversations ensuring high profile companies are supportive, as well as ensuring a variety of sectors are represented in order to ensure our bid is inclusive and representative of the dynamic businesses we have in our region.”
Sunrise Radio, the world’s first independent Asian radio station on FM and the first and only commercial Asian radio station on FM in the UK, was also recently announced as a media partner. The family-run radio station has been broadcasting from Bradford for more than 31 years.
Broadcasting dynamo Raj Parmar, who runs Sunrise Radio, said: “We have a huge audience in the Asian community here in Bradford and beyond, and it’s so important that everyone with a connection to the city knows about the bid and the impact it could have. I know the Bradford 2025 team feel passionately that a major strength of our bid is the diversity of our population, and we will do whatever we can to make sure the district’s voices are heard.”
Saleem Akhtar, managing director of the Jinnah group of restaurants, which joins as a Founding Partner, said: “Food is such a huge part of the culture here in Bradford, and curry in particular is synonymous with the city, so we are excited to come on board as a partner. I hope the district’s incredible foodie heritage will play a role in inspiring the programme, as well as being something for locals and visitors to enjoy at every event in 2025.”
In July 2021, Bradford district was officially named as one of 20 UK cities bidding for the title, the highest number of entries in the competition’s history and a resounding show of confidence in the transformational impact the designation can afford. The longlist of cities through to the next round is expected to be announced at the end of September.
Shanaz Gulzar, artist, presenter and chair of Bradford 2025 added: “It’s great to have so many fantastic Asian businesses on board. We know our diversity as a district is one of our biggest strengths and what makes Bradford’s story so unique. We want communities from every corner of the district to be excited, help us shape the bid and come with us on this journey. 2025 and beyond will be a celebration of the culture for the people of Bradford, by the people of Bradford.”
Businesses and organisations of any size and any location can get involved and help to support Bradford 2025 in a variety of ways including sponsorship and partnership packages. To find out more email mick.chandsoor@bradford2025.co.uk.
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