Bradford can confidently stand on its own two feet and show the world what it has to offer - Saleem Akhtar
As we approach the second edition of the Leeds Road Festival, an event that celebrates strength through diversity in our great city, now is a useful time to reflect on how communities make a difference to a place.
Last year’s event, which culminated in a spectacular gathering at Bradford Moor Park, was a joyous occasion that celebrated the coming together of people, place and business.
It was a celebration befitting a city of Bradford’s size, which brought together an estimated 25,000 people to celebrate shared interests as well as their differences. In a way, this reflects Bradford’s foundations. When the city has been at its best, we’ve learned from how we differ while working together for common good. But from a wider perspective, it’s important that we continue to shout about all parts of our district. A key promise made as part of Bradford’s City of Culture year was the legacy it would deliver. If 2025 was the showcase, then 2026 is the year that the city shows that it means business. While massive improvements have been made to the city centre, with more changes imminent, we cannot forget the impact that outer urban areas make. Leeds Road is a case in point, whereby a vibrant and busy community of businesses are creating their own economy and putting Bradford on the map. This was a theme discussed at a recent meeting held at the Jinnah restaurant in Bradford - a fitting meeting place marking the point where Leeds Road and the City centre converge. Gathered were selected guests who all have a stake in Bradford’s future. Business leaders, community groups and representative organisations, all wanting to discuss the opportunities and how we embrace them.
It was an honour to welcome HM Treasury’s Northern Growth Envoy, and long-term friend of Bradford, Tom Riordan. He spoke passionately about his days leading Yorkshire Forward, and the bold decisions required in leadership positions. While the days of Regional Development Agencies (RDA) may be over, Tom passionately made the point that the baton had been ably picked up by a more democratic solution, in Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCA). Whether it be an RDA or an MCA, or indeed a City Council, Bradford’s experience is one of togetherness and being more than the sum of their parts. Speaking of change - and opportunity - just a stones-throw from our meeting point sits the biggest prize of them all: the Southern Gateway. The word transformational is often overused in placemaking, but this scheme represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to do things differently.
Much has been said about Bradford’s relative underperformance as a city. Those who live and work here don’t see it that way, but having the ear (and support) of local stakeholders and national politicians, will help to address those concerns head-on. We no longer need to play second fiddle or be an afterthought for those in power. Bradford can confidently stand on its own two feet and show the world what it has to offer. A city that is made up of strong communities, coming together to shine as one.
Saleem Akhtar is the owner of Jinnah Restaurant and founder of Leeds Road Festival.
Leeds Road Festival will run from August 9, culminating in a weekend of celebration at Bradford Moor Park on August 15 and 16.