Any initiative that aims to raise the profile of Bradford must obviously be welcomed.

Far too often the district falls foul of lazy media representation and has become a shorthand outside of the region for a range of stereotypes and social problems, most of which are no more of an issue here than they are in any comparable metropolitan district.

So tomorrow’s Positive Bradford day, which has been months in the planning by a gathering of the district’s businesses, community groups and faith organisations, should go some way to showing how much there is to celebrate here in Bradford.

It’s a shame, perhaps, that the name “Positive Bradford” implies that there is much about Bradford which is, by definition, “negative” – and if the event is to become an annual one perhaps the organisers might think of a branding exercise that celebrates the good things without necessarily drawing attention to the less-impressive.

But it is right that the people behind Positive Bradford are approaching the event with realism: they are the first to admit they are not wearing rose-tinted glasses and that there is much in Bradford that could be improved.

It is always refreshing to see those positives being accentuated. In fact, there is a minor wave of positivity around at the moment – surprising, perhaps, given the national and international situation. The City of Bradford Brass Band has won a major competition, there are high hopes for the Capital of Curry bid, the City Park is progressing well.

Small things, perhaps, against the wider backdrop of recession and gloom, but important things – the little, positive touches that, when taken together, help paint a brighter overall picture .

We can be our own worst enemies in Bradford, and once we ourselves accept all the good that comes out of this huge and varied district – and tomorrow’s events are a good place to start – perhaps the rest of the world might see us in a different light.