'Bradford 2025 can improve city's reputation'

Businesspeople in Bradford have said its City of Culture year can change the city's reputation.

Bradford 2025 starts on 10 January with "an open-air spectacular" event at City Park and Centenary Square.

City of Culture status gives the winning city the opportunity to boost tourism and investment.

The BBC spoke to a number of business owners about their hopes for the year ahead.

For some, the chance to alter perceptions of Bradford was an important factor in their support for City of Culture.

"For me the rehabilitation of the reputation of Bradford is really important, because people are so down on it," said Ben Hoole, manager of The Exchange Craft Beer House.

"There are always people spreading what I think is misinformation, saying how unsafe it is.

"I feel safe walking around, so positive news coming from Bradford is always a good thing."

He added: "I think it's a really friendly city. We get a lot of tourists, though people don't think that.

"I'm forever meeting people visiting Bradford, whether it's for business or for pleasure, and they always say what a friendly place it is.

"They're always surprised at how good it looks and how friendly people are, so I think that speaks for itself."

Ishfaq Farooq, co-owner of the British-Asian restaurant My Lahore, said: "Bradford is a really diverse city and really multicultural in terms of everything about it.

"So it would be great to showcase that and what Bradford offers."

He added: "After the [2001 Bradford] riots it was really looked down upon, but now with the City of Culture it's really shining again.

"It's a city where everyone is welcome."

Matthew Crowther, manager of Tiffin Coffee, said the year could give a boost in income for independent businesses.

"Hopefully people can come into the city centre and actually get a better viewpoint of what's to offer in the city," he added.

"There's a lot of history in the city. There are a lot of little streets with interesting bars, shops and cafes

"And there's a lot more to the city centre than what people think.

"There's a lot more than what meets the eye."

A full list of events can be found on the Bradford City of Culture website.

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