Bradford's big festive weekend launch hailed a 'stunning success'

An estimated 15,000 people watched the fireworks extravaganza which was paid for by city centre businesses hoping to attract more people over the festive period.

READ: Families enjoy Bradford's Festive Launch at The Broadway

Footfall cameras showed the number of visitors was more than 63.5 per cent up on the previous Saturday.

The Broadway Shopping Centre – which hosted the official Christmas Lights Switch-On – counted more than 50,000 shoppers on Saturday alone.

Bradfordians came out in their numbers on Saturday (Image: Newsquest)

Jonny Noble, manager of Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), which organised the fireworks display, said: “The whole weekend was a stunning success.

“The crowds were amazing and people really seemed to enjoy themselves. We’ve had fantastic feedback – and the numbers speak for themselves.”

The huge uplift in footfall across the city centre was a much-needed boost for retailers as well as hospitality and leisure providers.

“Businesses reported very strong trading from noon on Saturday onwards,” said Mr Noble.

“Bradford people have really embraced the whole festive season launch.

WATCH: Amazing fireworks display in Bradford city centre

“We had more than 10,000 people watching the fireworks last year – the first time we organised them, to help the city centre get back on its feet post-Covid – and word has certainly got around that it’s a great display.

“To attract an increased crowd of around 50 per cent more people is just brilliant!”

The fireworks display was amazing (Image: Bradford BID)

The 12-minute display saw rockets firing up to 850ft in the air and was visible across the city skyline.

The display followed a day of fun and entertainment in The Broadway shopping centre in the build-up to the big lights switch-on – including the BID’s special LED Christmas Tree on New Market Place – culminating in a performance by Liberty X.

The LED Christmas Tree in New Market Place (Image: Bradford BID)

Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway, said: “We had an absolutely fantastic day with more than 50,000 people coming through our doors.

“It’s the fifth year we’ve staged the big lights switch-on and every year it gets bigger and better.

“The performers – from Frozen’s Anna and Elsa to Ellie Sax to Liberty X – were all great and helped us build a brilliant atmosphere.

“And our shops and stores were really happy with the improved trading.”

The weekend’s events were brought to a climax by the 2022 Telegraph & Argus Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Awards, which was staged with a glitzy ceremony in The Broadway.