(Image: Mike Simmonds)
BRADFORD businesses have expressed their anger over the cancellation of a much-loved community event - but the council says organisers were offered solutions.
Wyke Cinema Day, which was due to take place this past Saturday, was called off after Bradford Council accidentally double-booked the venue with a National Youth Circuit cycling event.
The cancellation left residents, organisers, and independent businesses frustrated, with one shop owner describing the loss as "heart-breaking" for the community.
Bradford Council said two potential solutions were offered to organisers but these were both "declined".
'A short term council problem has created a long-term loss'
Jessica Evans, who runs The Sweetie People on Towngate and was due to have a stall at the event, said: "I am genuinely angry and incredibly disappointed.
"Why are the organisers, independent businesses, and families of Wyke the ones left paying the price for a mistake they didn't make?
"For a small independent business, these losses aren’t insignificant.
The Sweetie People, Towngate
(Image: Mike Simmonds)
"Every event matters. Every member of staff matters. Every order of stock matters.
"We haven't just lost an event in 2026. Wyke lost Cinema Day.
"That is absolutely heart-breaking because events like this are becoming some of the only things we have left that genuinely bring this community together.
"Hundreds of people sit together, laugh together, and actually feel part of a community.
"That is what regeneration is supposed to look like.
"A short-term council problem has created a long-term loss for the whole community."
The end of Wyke Cinema Day?
Ms Evans also raised concerns that the cancellation could spell the end of the event altogether.
She said: "Cancelling one Cinema Day is disappointing.
"Being responsible for Wyke never having another one would be a tragedy for the community."
An event like no other
Another business owner in Wyke has voiced their disappointment.
Zach Woodcock, co-owner of The Coffee Box and a lifelong Wyke resident, had planned to set up his van at the event.
Mr Woodcock said: "We turned down a lot of work over that weekend and then it was cancelled.
"The cinema day was a good thing for Wyke.
"It's not like an event we've ever had before.
"We don’t get a lot of that sort of thing around here."
Mr Woodcock voiced disappointment, noting that many people had taken time off work to attend.
He said: "A lot of people had booked days off work to come down to the event."
"It’s a huge shame."
Council says it offered 'alternative' options
Councillor Ian Walker, Reform councillor for Wyke and executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: "As soon as the scheduling error was identified, we immediately contacted the representative from Big TV to discuss the situation.
"Unfortunately, it was not possible for both events to take place simultaneously due to a number of health and safety and operational concerns.
"These included restricted access to toilet facilities, emergency access routes being obstructed by the screen, and the use of a tannoy system at the cycling event, which would have significantly impacted the outdoor cinema experience.
"In an effort to find a solution, we offered the organisers an alternative date at the Sports Village on the following day, Sunday.
"This option was declined.
"We then proposed an alternative venue at Wyke Recreation Ground for the original date and time requested.
"This offer was made in partnership with the local football and rugby clubs, which had agreed to support the event by providing stewarding, toilet facilities, and other practical assistance.
"This option was also declined.
"We have apologised to the organisers for the error.
"However, we believe the alternative arrangements offered were both practical and viable solutions to enable the event to take place."