THE BRADFORD district’s independent retailers and points of interest are being celebrated as Sparkling Bradford’s campaign returns for the summer, highlighting the businesses and people that help make every day sparkle.

The Sparkling Bradford campaign, delivered by partners VisitBradford, The Broadway Bradford, Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) and Bradford Council, is launching its Summer initiative to celebrate the district’s local and independent retailers and shine a light on the attractions that make the district sparkle.

The campaign follows the successful Christmas programme that honoured the individuals that spread a sparkle of joy in their local communities and was nominated for Travel/Leisure Content Campaign of the Year at the UK Content Awards.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “This summer we are asking people to share the things they can’t wait to visit, and celebrate all the great things in and around the Bradford district. By shopping locally and with independent retailers, we can all make a massive difference to the local economy and we can’t wait to see it buzzing again.”

The initiative will encourage residents to shop locally and support their local high streets and tourist attractions. Retailers will be promoting special offers and showcasing their products and services using the #SparklingBradford hashtag across social media.

Ian Ward, General Manager of Broadway shopping centre & Bradford BID Chairman, adds: “After a difficult year, we’re delighted to see sparkle return to the city and celebrate all that the Bradford district has to offer. It’s important to support our local economy and as lockdown restrictions have eased, we want to assure people that shopping and visiting Bradford is safe and that the businesses and people of the region are ready to welcome visitors back!”

George Lennon, Marketing Manager for Summer Unlocked, a programme of free cultural events taking place across the district this summer, said: “Being part of the Sparkling Bradford campaign is an opportunity to celebrate the best the district has to offer and to make people aware of the vast array of activity going on throughout the summer. We are getting involved to share news about the Summer Unlocked programme, a partnership between Bradford Council, The Leap and Bradford 2025, which will bring to life the public spaces that have become so important to us all during lockdown – from our streets, neighbourhoods and civic spaces to our moors, gardens and parks – and includes outdoor theatre, music, film, street art and much more, for all the family.”

Weekly what’s on guides, tips, reviews and competitions will all feature on the Sparkling Bradford website throughout the two-month campaign www.sparklingbradford.info. Follow Sparkling Bradford on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to find out more about upcoming events or to engage with the #SparklingBradford hashtag.