'Here's to the future' - Bradford to be 2025 city of culture after record number of bids

Bradford, one of the most diverse places in the UK, has been named the 2025 city of culture, a prestigious accolade that attracts thousands of tourists and guarantees millions of pounds of funding and investment.

- Harriet Sherwood

Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary, announced the winner live on BBC One's The One Show yesterday evening, after months of intense competition for the title.

Dorries said Bradford was a "worthy winner" of the 2025 title against stiff competition in a shortlist that also featured County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham.

She said: "Art and culture should be accessible to everyone and this prestigious title will help Bradford deliver unforgettable events for communities on their doorstep.

"Coventry has shown us how powerful the UK city of culture title is at boosting investment, attracting visitors and leaving a lasting legacy for local people." A record 20 initial bids from places across the UK were whittled down to eight and then four.

Other areas in earlier rounds. included Cornwall, Derby, Stirling and the district of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon. Bradford will take the baton from Coventry, which was the 2021 UK city of culture, with Hull and Derry having enjoyed the status in 2017 and 2013 respectively.