Thousands head to Antiques Roadshow filming in park

More than 2,000 people flocked to the filming of BBC television programme Antiques Roadshow in Bradford over the weekend.

Presenter Fiona Bruce and a team of experts visited Cartwright Hall in Lister Park on Sunday to value a variety of antiques, family heirlooms and vintage finds.

Bruce said it was a "fantastic accolade" to visit and record in Bradford in its year as UK City of Culture.

She said: "Every day is different, you never know what you're going to see, who you're going to meet, what stories they're going to tell you. That's the lovely thing about the programme."

Seven camera crews were in the park for the ticketed event, with the venue set to be featured during three episodes set to air later in the year.

Antique jewellery specialist Susan Rumfitt, a Harrogate-based jewellery specialist on the show, said the thrill of recording the programme "never gets old".

"It's just such a wonderful atmosphere and I just feel so grateful that [attendees] will stand out in a queue for potentially hours," she said.

"To see what they've got, and to - most of the time - make their day, but occasionally ruin their day - generally everybody walks away very happy!"

Shabana Bashir, who lives in Bradford and came along to watch the filming, described it as a "brilliant" experience.

"The weather is absolutely beautiful and it's a proud moment because you want to be a part of the Antiques Roadshow," she said.

"Now that it's here and it's down the road from where we live it's just another thing for us to be connected to."

Martin Gardner came from Hebden Bridge to get a valuation on a violin.

"To be honest I'm not thinking about money," he said.

"Obviously I'm imagining it's a rare 1850s violin, but it's probably not."

He added: "I'm just interested to see if they know anything more about it."

Suzy Lee, also from Hebden Bridge, said: "I work in Bradford, it's a great city and it's got lots going on.

"This is our favourite gallery and park so it's great having the roadshow here."

The show made its debut on BBC One in 1979 and is now in its 48th series.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.