'Sparkling Bradford' to return – along with a…

'Sparkling Bradford' to return – along with a new summer campaign to boost the city centre

BRADFORD’S Business Improvement District is planning for two large campaigns this year, including a return of “Sparkling Bradford” at Christmas.

Last Christmas the campaign saw numerous groups, councils and businesses joining forces to arrange and promote festive events throughout the district.

At a conference on the Bradford Economic Strategy on Wednesday Ian Ward – chair of the BID board, said: “Sparkling Bradford was a phenomenal success. footfall in the city in December was five per cent up on the previous year while in the rest of the UK it was four per cent down.”

Christmas magic to shine bright with ‘Sparkling Bradford’ campaign

He said there would be a repeat of Sparkling Bradford this year, adding: “There will be two campaigns this year. We’re planning a summer campaign and a bigger, better Christmas campaign.

“It was a great example of what you can do when you go on a journey together.”

The BID was approved last year following a ballot by businesses.

It involves city centre businesses paying an annual levy, with the pot of money then being used to improve the centre and organise events that will attract more shoppers.

At Wednesday’s event Mr Ward said it was important that all areas of the city centre to benefit from the scheme. He said: “Sunbridgewells and North Parade need to see the benefits of what we’re doing in the city centre. The BID is starting to drive what our night-time economy looks like – getting our night-time economy right is massively important.