Christmas is being brought to life across the Bradford district this month with live theatre performances, carol services and farmers markets.
Sparkling Bradford, a campaign which incorporates all of the season’s experiences, has seen hundreds of people gather at numerous events over the winter season to enjoy everything the district has to offer.
Coun Sarah Ferriby, executive member for healthy people and places at Bradford Council, commented on the initiative: “We’re thrilled with the success of Sparkling Bradford. This has been the first Christmas campaign encompassing all that Bradford has to offer; it’s fantastic to see the whole district getting in the Christmas spirit.
“We’ve had tremendous feedback from event-goers who have commented on how lively the district has been over these past few months and the fantastic range of events – there’s something on almost every day! Through this campaign, we’re putting Bradford on the map as a top Christmas destination of the North.”
The initiative continues to sparkle this month with the Alhambra opening its doors for the renowned Christmas pantomime Aladdin on 8 December – 20 January. The National Science and Media Museum will also be welcoming guests for the annual CBeebies Christmas show including a Thumbelina performance for the family.
Earlier this month, Illuminate Bradford, saw a staggering 200,000 people flooding onto the city streets to admire the stunning light show which included interactive installations and colourful street art.
Leeds lifestyle blogger, Lizi Legge, said: “I was definitely surprised and impressed by how much Bradford has developed as a city centre since the last time I visited, and I had the best time getting involved in the festivities. There is loads going on as part of Sparkling Bradford in and around the city centre throughout the lead up to Christmas and I would encourage everyone to get involved.”
The district’s inaugural campaign was launched at The Broadway Bradford’s Festive Launch on 10 November, general manager, Ian Ward, said: “It’s been a fantastic festive period so far since the Sparkling Bradford launch; we saw a 4.6% increase in November footfall which bucks the national trend of being down 3.8%.”
Coun Sarah Ferriby, added: “The magnificent range of events has drawn in not only locals, but families from across the North. It has been a huge success and continues to drive excitement and intrigue into the Bradford district.”
Across the district, the Baildon Festive Farmers’ Market will take place on 22 December with 25 stalls of fresh local produce and an extra-special visit from Father Christmas.
Families looking to ‘Elf Themselves’ can visit the Kirkgate Shopping Centre’s free workshop on 15 and 22 December, while at the Broadway, a festive sing-a-long will be taking place on 22 December.
The Bradford Playhouse is inviting people to take a trip to the Land of Oz for a musical pantomime acoss the festive period from 21-30 December.
Sparkling Bradford is calling for people to get involved by using #SparklingBradford on Twitter and Instagram and tagging @VisitBradford to encourage people to share Bradford events they’ve enjoyed this season.
Sparkling Bradford is a collaborative campaign created by Bradford Council, The Broadway Bradford, Visit Bradford, Made in Bradford and the University of Bradford. The programme encompasses all of the season’s festive experiences highlighting the district as a key Christmas destination this winter.
