UK
Excitement reverberates through Bradford as the city gears up to embrace its role as the UK City of Culture in 2025, with Bradford-born singer-songwriter Zayn Malik stepping into the spotlight as the Ambassador for Bradford 2025. With deep roots in East Bowling, Bradford, Zayn’s intimate connection to his hometown makes him an ideal representative for this esteemed role.
“Our countdown has begun,” remarks Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025. “In 2024, we’re gearing up for a district-wide cultural program that will put Bradford on a national and international stage.”
As the Ambassador, Zayn will lead the charge alongside Bradford’s vibrant community, spearheading celebrations that highlight the city’s rich diversity, culture, and youthful spirit. Details of the exciting projects and initiatives planned for 2025 will be unveiled later this year.
“Bradford is and always will be home to me,” Zayn shares. “It’s a very special place, and I’m thrilled to see it recognized as the City of Culture for 2025. There are some exciting projects I am taking part in throughout the year that I can’t wait to share with you. Now we can celebrate this great city and the people who live and work here with the rest of the world.”
The selection of Bradford as the fourth UK City of Culture in May 2022 was met with great honor and responsibility. With a vision to curate 12 unforgettable months of creativity, culture, and the arts across the Bradford District, the government is laying the groundwork for a transformative year. From New Year’s Day to New Year’s Eve, 2025 promises an explosion of over 1,000 shows, exhibitions, and events, many of which will be free for all to enjoy.
Organizers are rallying local, national, and international artists, dancers, and musicians to contribute to the cultural tapestry of Bradford in 2025. At its core, Bradford 2025 will celebrate the city’s vibrant cultures and its dynamic population, making it the youngest, most diverse, and most thrilling place in the nation.
“This is just the beginning,” Gulzar emphasizes. “Zayn’s involvement, along with the three special events planned for 2024, is just a taste of what’s to come in 2025.”
As anticipation builds, three free events are slated for this year as part of the lead-up to 2025. The cultural festivities kick off with “Where It Began,” an art exhibition by British-Pakistani artist Osman Yousefzada, running from 3rd May to 13th October. French street theatre company Compagnie OFF will captivate audiences in the city center on 24th August, followed by “Four Nations: Bradford,” a showcase of portraits celebrating the city’s diverse population in September.
“It is a huge success for Bradford to have obtained UK City of Culture status for next year,” remarks Ryan Sparks, Chief Executive at Bradford City AFC. “We will wear the UK City of Culture crest on our playing shirts for the next two seasons with immense pride in what Bradford has accomplished.”
As the countdown to 2025 begins, Bradford stands poised to showcase its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and dynamic community to the world, promising a year of creativity, celebration, and boundless possibilities.
