Bradford is gearing up to make the most of its City of Culture year, with its vibrant youth population set to take center stage. The city, known for being one of the youngest in the UK, boasts under-25s comprising 34% of its total population. Organizers of the initiative are eager to tap this youthful demographic, firmly believing their unique talents will be key to crafting enriching cultural experiences.
Noor Jahangir, a 19-year-old passionate about poetry and part of the Bradford 2025 youth panel, has taken on a full-time role within the City of Culture delivery team. She expresses the need for events aimed at fostering creative opportunities for young people, many of whom have historically lacked such chances. "When I was younger, I knew people had negative stereotypes of Bradford," she reflects. "It seemed like people from Bradford didn't engage with creativity. Those who did often moved away and never returned."
Jahangir insists, "I have friends outside Bradford who believe these stereotypes, even without setting foot here, claiming there are no opportunities available. They even joke about how now Bradford is getting opportunities, it’s because they're being handed to the most disadvantaged. That's not true." She emphasizes the need for diversity within the creative sector, explaining, "I feel like the creative sector is often dominated by middle-class, white individuals, and you don't see much diversity there.”
John McMahon, head of engagement, skills, and volunteering at Bradford 2025, confirms the significant role youth can play. He believes their energy and drive are assets the city can leverage during its cultural showcase. "It brings vibrancy, energy and additional drive for the city to seize the moment 2025 offers," he explains. McMahon highlights the city's challenges, noting, "We know Bradford parallels many other northern and Midlands cities, where youth unemployment is higher than the national average and there can be barriers to opportunities."
Despite the passion for the city, many young residents grapple with limited prospects, leading to pressure to seek opportunities elsewhere. "Young people, especially from towns and regions losing traditional industries, often struggle to find the right opportunities and feel the need to move away," McMahon adds.
Sharing her perspective, Alina Khan, vice principal of Bradford College, recognizes the vibrant diversity of the student body. "Bradford is exceptionally diverse and historically has had a transient community," she observes. For the majority of her 12,000 students, the college is situated within just 3-4 kilometers of the city center. Khan highlights the severe socio-economic challenges impacting students, stating, "Health outcomes are often poorer the farther one goes from Bradford."
Unyielding pride for their hometown emerges as another prominent theme among students. "There’s something quite special and magnetic about staying in Bradford," Khan notes. Many locals feel a responsibility to contribute positively to their community's growth. "They want to do their part and make Bradford the best it can be, and I think that's felt universally through the city,” she concludes.
The City of Culture initiative aims not just to celebrate Bradford's diversity and creativity, but also to attract long-term investment, providing the city sustainable benefits beyond 2025. Interested individuals can find more information on the wealth of events planned on the Bradford City of Culture website, encouraging community participation and acknowledgment of the talents within this young and dynamic population.
