What Bradford being the UK City of Culture 2025 means to me

Hi, I'm Maleehah. I'm in my final year of LLB (Hons) Law.

Bradford 2025: a cultural turning point

Being the City of Culture for 2025 means Bradford is seeing so much more investment. We are finally getting the economic reboot the city has always needed.

Bradford is back on the map, and the attention is well deserved. We have come far as a city that was neglected by the mainstream of power. It is wonderful to have been recognised for our beautiful diversity and rich cultures across the district.

Bradford getting recognition in 2025 is going to be transformative for the younger generation. We are one of the first cities to have established a Youth Panel for decision-making. At 21, it has been one of my greatest achievements to be part of the Youth Panel. I have been able to contribute to decision-making at the highest level amongst staff members of the UK City of Culture 2025.

Celebrating culture through events and highlights

I have attended a few Museum exhibitions, private networking events and the opening programme launch for Bradford 2025 City of Culture.

The Osman Yousufzada exhibition was eye-opening to see South Asian immigrant history displayed. Various food artefacts were displayed at the exhibition, and I enjoyed getting to experience the South Asian culture and heritage through these artefacts.

The Plants of the Quran was another exhibition I attended. I was able to be part of the preview of the opening, and I also got to meet Sue Wickison, the artist of the exhibition. It was a wonderful opportunity to speak to Sue, who created the amazing flowers to symbolise Islamic beliefs.

The opening launch of the UK City of Culture, which was held at St George's Hall, was a massive highlight for me. I was featured on the BBC One show! It was so exciting to experience a moment of publicity on live television. The presenter for the launch programme was Dr Amir Khan, and he made the event engaging to watch. However, my highlight of the whole launch event was being able to listen to my friend, Noor Afsa, give a beautiful poetry speech to mark the launch of 2025.

City transformations and lasting impressions

The improvements to the city have been transformative for how Bradford is perceived. The city centre looks stunning and the pedestrianised area near The Broadway looks cleaner, less noisy and more environmentally friendly. It has also been great to see the area around the Darley Street Market improved. 

The opening of Bradford Live will allow Bradford to relive its old legacies in the theatre, and I can't wait to visit it.

With all the developments in the city, Bradford is becoming a beautiful place to celebrate our culture. The Ramadan Pavilion, which has been installed in City Park, celebrated everything Bradford and looked so pretty, especially in the evening. The bright lights and pink pillars celebrated Ramadan, a holy month that is close to Bradford's heart. It was wonderful to walk past the pillars on my commute to the University.

Pride in studying in a city of diversity and community

What makes me proud to study in Bradford is the diversity of people’s backgrounds and the sense of community. There's no other city that is as welcoming to ethnic minorities and identities as Bradford. There are plenty of Halal food places, Mosques, faith places and community engagement groups.

On campus, I love the Carlton Prayer room because it allows me to observe my faith after my classes. Faith is an important element in my lifestyle, and to have the University accommodate prayer spaces allows me to observe my religious practices.

The JB Priestley Library is another go-to spot of mine to study and focus on my assignments. I enjoy working at the seats near the windowsill. The Amp yard and greenery views are beautiful!

Bradford is calling.

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Find out how we’re making a difference in the City of Culture 2025 and how you can be part of it.