Thousands flock to World Heritage Day celebrations in Saltaire

The event, which celebrates Saltaire as Braford’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, featured live music, heritage and craft stalls, street performances, traditional fairground attractions, street food, a bar, and an evening lantern parade.

It was held from 10am and finished with the lantern parade at around 9.30pm.

Morris Dancers did street performances as part of World Heritage Day celebrations in Saltaire. (Image: Steven Ward / T&A Camera Club)

Ian Andrews-Swailes, chairman of Saltaire Festival and the World Heritage Day event, said: “Wasn’t it a surprise, it didn’t rain at all.

“The ground felt really spongy, but people were out enjoying themselves.

“There was a really good feeling and atmosphere.

“Everybody has been sick of all the rain and being stuck in their homes.

"I think people were thinking ‘I’m going to enjoy this no matter what’.

Colourful street performances were featured as part of World Heritage Day celebrations in Saltaire. (Image: Steven Ward / T&A Camera Club)

“There were about 10,000 to 15,000 people who attended, which was similar to last year.

“Everyone got into the spirit and created a really good multi-cultural heritage day.

People got dressed up as part of World Heritage Day celebrations in Saltaire. (Image: UGC)

“People were getting on board with Saltaire’s history and a lot of people dressed up in Victorian-style clothes.

“The children also really enjoyed the lantern parade in the evening.

"They had made lanterns in workshops organised by Cecil Green Arts.

There was a lantern parade to close out World Heritage Day celebrations in Saltaire. (Image: UGC)

“There was an alpaca and camel theme to the lanterns.

"Alpaca wool used to be brought into the mills in Saltaire by canal boat. Alpaca wool was used in textiles.

“Everyone is getting ready for the City of Culture 2025 and this event was a good rehearsal for that.”

There was a lantern parade to close out World Heritage Day celebrations in Saltaire. (Image: UGC)

There was live music in the bandstand as part of the World Heritage Day celebrations in Saltaire (Image: Steven Ward / T&A Camera Club)

In a post on Facebook, the Friends of Roberts Park added: “We love World Heritage Day and the sundowner lantern parade.

"It is one of our favourite events to be held in our gorgeous park.

“A huge thank you to all of the people who organised this wonderful event. I’m sure you will all agree it is an amazing day.”