BRADFORD Cathedral secured gold in the category of ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ in the White Rose Awards 2020 last night.

The ceremony was held virtually, in a celebration of the region’s tourism industry.

The cathedral was represented by Maggie Myers, Director of Education and Visitors, as businesses, venues and organisations across the county gathered online to celebrate their successes.

The judges said of Bradford Cathedral’s gold award: “Despite the challenges a place of worship faces in engaging with a younger audience as well as the wider community, Bradford Cathedral has achieved this and more.

“Through a variety of creative initiatives, with even more planned in the future, and their engagement with social media, they continue to draw in the visitors.”

The Very Revd Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, said: “It is a delight for us to receive the gold award in our category at this year’s White Rose Awards and it’s a testament to all the hard work our team put in during our centenary year in 2019 and beyond to deliver an exciting package of events, services and visitor experiences for those in the city of Bradford and further afield.

"We welcomed faces old and new into the cathedral for prayer, education, heritage, music and art, and helped them discover Bradford’s best-kept secret.”

Maggie Myers, Director of Education and Visitors, added: “Last night was a wonderful occasion, and in a competitive category of strong Yorkshire attractions, we are delighted to have been awarded gold.

"This acknowledges all the hard work and energy that the team at Bradford Cathedral put in during our centenary year, alongside our volunteers, congregation and partners in the city and beyond.

“Although we are currently only open for prayer, we look forward to welcoming back old friends to the cathedral as well as new visitors discovering us for the first time. In the meantime, there is a lot available online for visitors to enjoy, wherever they are.”

Bradford Cathedral is currently preparing for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, with many events, services and online videos available from Sunday November 29, alongside the second year of the ‘star in the tower’ acting as a beacon in the city to those looking to visit.

Everyone is welcome to visit the cathedral, whether that is in person as the guidance adapts in December, or online through their website and social media.