Whoever decided to hold Bradford’s City of Culture launch outdoors in January, after dark and in subzero temperatures, was either a born optimist or someone deeply in touch with the Bradfordian psyche.

Bradford was selected from a record-breaking 20 bids to be named the UK City of Culture. The city fought off competition from County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough to clinch the title in May 2022.

The TV magician told the crowd how he started his career doing street magic exactly where they were all standing

My return to Bradford is by invitation to celebrate the town’s designation as UK City of Culture for 2025. This is a competition run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), inviting places across the UK to set out their vision for culture-led regeneration and takes place every four years.

Thousands of people braved sub-zero temperatures to watch an open-air spectacle starring magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, a 10-year-old rapper and a dozen aerial dancers to launch Bradford's year as UK City of Culture.

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Bradford’s tenure as the UK City of Culture in 2025 has started with a specular event, including magic from Steven Frayne, who told crowds how proud he was to come from the city. Thousands of people braved bitter temperatures in City Park to watch a show specially created for the start of the year-long festival of art and creativity and involving more than 200 performers.

Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar on the build up to the big night. (Image: Tim Smith)

As Bradford’s huge celebration of arts and community engagement begins, Euronews Culture talked to creative director Shanaz Gulzar about what it means for the city. View on euronews

The leader of the Conservatives on Bradford Council has said it is "exceedingly disappointing" that Bradford Live is not open in time for the start of City of Culture.

Kala Sangam creative director Alex Croft, 46, who was attending the event with friends, said he hoped the City of C