Bradford

Traditionally seen as Leeds poor relation, Bradford has just enjoyed a flurry of redevelopment, prompted by a bid to be Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2008. Though the One Landscape, Many Views bid was unsuccessful it raised the profile of a city, which has a surprising amount to offer and needed some guidance in the art of self-promotion.

For twenty years Bradford has been home to the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television and is now the most frequently visited national museum outside London, and can also claim to have the country’s oldest IMAX cinema.

Bradford has a high Asian population because of its major role in the wool trade. This has brought a lot of new energy into Bradford and there is always a colourful celebration with Asian music and dance (mela) at the annual Bradford Festival. Bradford also has a well-deserved reputation as the curry capital of Britain, though other aspects of the Asian community’s positive impact on the city are very evident.