The funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will take the total government support for Bradford to £15 million. It is hoped the money will help the Bradford Culture Company deliver a programme of events and support a legacy of cultural regeneration in the city.
The government funding is expected to create 6,500 new jobs across the Bradford district and provide 6,000 training opportunities for local people. Over 3,000 volunteers are being recruited to ensure smooth event execution.
More than 20 positions within the Bradford Culture Company itself will be dedicated to people under 25 through apprenticeships and a Young Creatives scheme.
The extra funding will develop key venues for next year’s events, including Bradford’s The Beacon. It will also provide key equipment for Bradford Theatres, which run one of the UK’s oldest concert halls, St George’s Hall, as well as Alhambra Theatre, The Studio, Kings Hall & Winter Garden, the release added. The funding will also support the development of new spaces for the National Science and Media Museum.
Bradford will hold around 1,000 events in 2025, developed alongside and in collaboration with local artists and creatives. An additional 3.3 million visitors and £140 million in visitor spending are expected to boost the local economy over the year. According to the release, the UK City of Culture 2025 aims to stimulate £700 million of growth for the Bradford district by 2030, accelerating economic activity.