Bradford 2025 awarded extra £5m funding

The government has announced a further £5m of funding for Bradford City of Culture 2025, taking the total pot to £15m.

It said the additional investment would go towards preparing venues and event programming.

Culture minister Sir Chris Bryant said the £5m, on top of the £10m already set aside for the year of events, was to ensure venues are "properly adapted and suitable, and ready for events".

He said: "Bradford City of Culture 2025 is going to be one of the biggest, transformative events in Bradford's history. It's an opportunity to bring in vast amounts of money from people coming as tourists from both across the UK and from overseas."

According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), 6,000 training opportunities and 6,500 jobs will be created in Bradford as a result of the UK City of Culture year.

More than 20 positions will be created with the Bradford Culture Company for people under 25 through apprenticeships and a Young Creatives scheme.

The DCMS said the money would go towards developing key venues, such as The Beacon, Alhambra Theatre and St George's Hall, as well as the development of new spaces for the National Science and Media Museum.

Sir Chris said: "We're hopeful it's going to bring £700m investment into Bradford over the next few years.

"It's a big moment for Bradford. But above all it's an opportunity for Bradford to celebrate and have a good time."

About 1,000 events are expected to take place in 2025, attracting 3.3 million visitors and bringing a visitor spend of nearly £140 million to the local economy over the course of the year.

Among the events already announced are an opening ceremony curated by magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo), a year-long celebration of drawing supported by David Hockney and the annual Turner Prize at Cartwright Hall.

Bradford 2025 executive director Dan Bates said the investment would help shape a "brighter, more dynamic" future for Bradford.

He said: "By working together with DCMS we are not only creating new opportunities, but also equipping local people with the skills needed to thrive.

"This commitment to Bradford to enhance and develop its infrastructure, and ensuring our creative venues are accessible for all, will leave a lasting impact on generations to come."

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