The year 2022 was quite an eventful year in Bradford. From being selected as the City of Culture to the King’s visit, it was the year the city travelled through all kinds of emotions. be it grief, joy or sheer affection. We look back at the biggest stories that made the headlines in 2022
Image: Zahoor Sakharkar/RF Media & Publishing
THE KING’S VISIT TO BRADFORD
His Majesty, The King visited Bradford on 8 November and he was welcomed with Bradford’s own style of dhol and music. The King arrived at Centenary Square to the eclectic sounds of a brass band orchestrated by the City of Bradford Brass Band under Musical Director, Johnathan Bates and the dulcet beats of the dhol by Punjabi Roots Academy.
INDIAN MOVIE STAR JOINING DIWALI CELEBRATIONS AT BRADFORD
Indian film star Khushboo Sundar graced her presence at the Diwali celebrations at Odsal Stadium on 14 October in Bradford. The event was a first of a kind celebrations at the stadium and was organised by Keighley Community Access.
BRADFORD COUNCIL AWARDED A QUARTER MILLION FOR CITY OF CULTURE
Thunderous cheers of joy as Bradford Council received £250,000 from the London 2012 legacy funder, Spirit of 2012 for delivering UK City of Culture 2025, the bid which the city won in May 2022. Exciting times ahead as the district prepares to leave it’s legacy as City of Culture 2025
BRADFORD CLEAN AIR ZONE
In a step towards combatting pollution, the Bradford Clean Air Zone commenced in the city on 26 September. Many of the areas recognised as Clean Air Zones were in the inner-city part of Bradford where the most deprived wards are located with high levels of ethnic diversity and young people under the age of 16.
BRADFORD SOUTH ASIAN FESTIVAL
Bradford echoed with Dhol beats and desi music held in the city between 12-14 August. A dhol and dance performance was exhibited by Punjabi Roots Academy, along with a puppeteer and his friendly creations from Bradford, India and Pakistan as the ensemble paraded together to Kala Sangam, for some karak chai from local tea vendors and South Asian snacks.
BRADFORD PAYS RESPECT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
Citizens of Bradford came together in the moment of grief and paid respect to Her Majesty The Queen after her demise. The Late Queen breathed her last on 8 September at Balmoral Castle in Scotland
BRADFORD’S FIRST EVER CURRY MELA
Bradford saw its first ever curry mela in July 2022. The very first Bradford Curry Mela, showcased an array of culinary cuisine from the Indian subcontinent, along with masterclasses, entertainment and cultural heritage shared through various activities such as the roti-making class, which was run by Bradford South Asian Heritage Festival. The event took place at Bradford City Park, in Centenary Square, surrounded by a water fountain, in which children splashed away in, whilst parents basked in the sun and enjoyed pakoras, samosas and chaat, as well as other South Asian Street food snacks.
BRADFORD WINS THE BID FOR CITY OF CULTURE 2025
Bradford’s wait for being the City of culture ended on 31 May as the city was declared winner of the bid. The district was approved as the winning city by the former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries based on independent advice from a panel of experts led by TV writer-producer Sir Phil Redmond. The City Park, where the announcement was live streamed, erupted in joy on the occasion.
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD OFFERING SCHOLARSHIP TO MUSLIM STUDENTS
The University of Bradford became a partner with Aziz Foundation that offers full postgraduate tuition scholarships to Muslims in Britain.
ASIAN STANDARD WINS BEST PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR AT THE ASIAN MEDIA AWARDS
Finally, how can we forget your very own Asian Standard won Publication of the year at the Asian Media Awards 2022. Our Editor Fatima Patel said the win was testament to the hard work of the Asian Standard team and support from our readers and advertisers. The award is certainly the right motivation for the Asian Standard team and we will continue to endeavour to bring you the best news from your local area and be the credible and critical voice representing Britain’s South Asian communities.
We wish our readers a happy and a safe New Year.
