Yorkshire's brass bands will be hoping to benefit from the cultural dividend that will be produced by Bradford's award of 'City of Culture' status in 2025.

Bradford has long been a central hub of brass banding activity — with numerous bands based around its area. For many years the Yorkshire Regional Championships were also held in the city, whilst Black Dyke Band was announced in its bid as one of its 'cultural riches'.

The recently refurbished St George's Hall is set to become one of the main cultural and artistic venues of its 2025 programme of events.

Investment

The announcement was made by Culture Minister Nadine Dorries, with Bradford beating the challenge of County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham. It is believed that the award will attract millions of pounds of inward investment and create up to 3,000 jobs.

She stated: "Art and culture should be accessible to everyone, and this prestigious title will help Bradford deliver unforgettable events for communities on their doorstep."

Meanwhile, Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, added: "Being named UK City of Culture is awe-inspiring and life-enhancing, creating happier lives for residents and visitors alike.

As Bradford takes over, I'm excited to see how this great city will soar to new creative heights between now and the end of 2025 thanks to the work of brilliant artists, performers, creators and curators."

Brass band involvement

It is hoped that brass bands will be able to be part of the investment that is made — with application processes now open for enquiries and expressions of interest from individual bands, regional and national brass band organisations.

One leading band spokesperson told 4BR: "This is exciting news. We are sure there will be an important role for brass bands with initiatives and projects, but we cannot expect it to come our way because we believe we deserve it.

We will be finding out more and we hope to work with others too to ensure we can be involved."

Extensive benefits

Research into the success of the four yearly City of Culture status which was first made in 2008, has shown that it brings extensive benefits across all areas and social economic groups.

It has been announced that the year will see more than 1000 new performances and events including 365 artist commissions, a series of major arts festivals as well as exciting national and international collaborations.

The themes will be rooted in the unique heritage and character of Bradford its people, its ambition and future potential.

The successful 'This is Our Time, Our Place' bid by the Cultural Place Partnership included Bradford Council, University of Bradford, Bradford College, Bradford-based live arts company, The Brick Box and other representatives of the cultural sector and national funders.

It also forms part of 'Culture is Our Plan' — Bradford Council's cultural strategy until 2030.

It has been announced that the year will see more than 1000 new performances and events including 365 artist commissions, a series of major arts festivals as well as exciting national and international collaborations4BR

Seed funding

Bradford will now receive £275,000 in initial seed funding to make sure the city can hit the ground running and get the wheels in motion early as it develops its plans for 2025. This grant will help pave the way for a year of unforgettable cultural activities and events. A further £3 million grant is also available from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

According to its prospectus, it is hoped that the partnership will aim to support work that is co-created or participatory; multidisciplinary; embraces risk and explores new ground.

It also aims to support LGBTQ, Black, Asian, ethnically diverse-led, deaf and disabled led initiatives and includes collaboration or partnership between local creatives and people from elsewhere in the UK and (where appropriate and possible) abroad

National audiences

The investments should have the potential to speak to national audiences and attract the attention of audiences and media UK-wide.

Those interested can make initial expressions of interest, whilst other commissions may be made directly by the organisation or invitations to apply for funds or from discussions with collaborators and other funding partners.