The UK City of Culture 2025 winner will be announced in just a matter of days, it has been revealed.
The long-awaited result will be broadcast live on BBC One’s The One Show on Tuesday, May 31, from 7pm.
It will be announced by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, in Coventry, the current UK City of Culture.
A team representing Bradford, including Bradford 2025’s chair Shanaz Gulzar, will be on the programme for the result - alongside representatives for the other shortlisted cities - Durham, Southampton and Wrexham.
The show will also be broadcast on the Big Screen at City Park.
Ms Gulzar told the Telegraph & Argus: “‘This is the culmination of a three-year long campaign which has seen thousands of people across the district and beyond get behind our bid.
“With just days to go until the winner is announced, you can feel the excitement brimming across the district.
“So much hard work has gone on behind the scenes and I’d like to thank all those who have played a part in helping us get to this final stage.
“I hope everyone will keep everything crossed - and will tune in on Tuesday to hear the result live with us all.”
It is the second time that Bradford will appear on The One Show in recent days, having been the focus of a special City of Culture segment on the primetime show.
Presenter Michelle Ackerley was taken on a cultural tour round Bradford city centre, stopping by the National Science and Media Museum and Bradford Live.
Head judge of the UK City of Culture special advisory panel Sir Phil Redmond appeared in the report, adding: “I think it’s an interesting thing to try and find an identity for a city that was built back in the 19th century, and most people have forgotten why."
There were shoutouts for famous Bradfordians - from Zayn Malik and David Hockney to the Bronte Sisters - whilst others labelled Bradford the curry capital.
Summarising her piece, Michelle said: "With grand Victorian architecture, food, fashion and music, Bradford definitely feels like it has got plenty to offer."
There is nothing left to do now but wait for the big reveal.
Bradford 2025 sent representatives to London for the final stage of the competition last week – the last chance to meet with judges and make their case.
The four-strong cohort was made up of Shanaz Gulzar, chair of Bradford 2025, Kersten England, chief executive of Bradford Council, May McQuade, programme and community co-ordinator at Bradford 2025 and Kamran Rashid, CEO and co-founder of Impact Hub Bradford.
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