Street food start-ups wanted for culture capital

Street food entrepreneurs from Bradford's diverse communities are being encouraged to apply for the chance to showcase their culinary skills.

BD: Food StrEATS is a programme to support 20 aspiring start-ups who have new ideas for the city's food scene.

It has been developed by In Touch Foundation, which provides regular food and support services to Bradford's homeless community and families living in poverty.

Once chosen, the budding chefs will test-trade their creations at a street food, arts, and culture event on 22 February at The Grand by Jalwa event space.

In Touch Foundation's Osman Gondal said: "Bradford is a city with a rich and diverse culinary heritage, and we want to support passionate food entrepreneurs in bringing even more global flavours to our thriving street food scene."

The initiative is being delivered in partnership with The Leap and Leeds Road Fest, and supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

Yaseen Mohammed, a leading figure behind Leeds Road Fest, a business-led festival for Leeds Road due to be held in August as part of the City of Culture celebrations, said: "Bradford is the most entrepreneurial city in the country, and we are widely known as a place to visit for great food."

"This is a great idea for our communities and economy," he added.

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