City of Culture 2025: Zayn Malik, Dynamo, Nia Archives and more share what makes Bradford so special

To celebrate his home town, Zayn Malik asked a bunch of Bradford natives to share their thoughts on the city with Big Issue. 

Steven Frayne, the magician formerly known as Dynamo

Describe Bradford in three words?

Resilient: Growing up there for me wasn’t easy but it taught me how to build resilience I needed to find success outside of my home town. 

Strong: It gave me a strength to face any challenge.  

Camaraderie: The communities in the different council estates I lived on supported my early performances; they helped me believe in myself and this camaraderie made me feel like I had the city behind me, no matter where I was in the world.  

What does Bradford mean to you?

Bradford is me. I am the man I am today because of all the building blocks my home town gave me, from all the incredible people at MAPA youth club to the kids I used to perform for on Friday nights at the ice rink. The incredible staff at the Bradford Royal Infirmary who cared for me when I was sick, to seeing the possibilities of television and film at the National Film and Photography Museum, that inspired me to put my magic on film in the first place. The troubles I faced in the school playground of Wyke Manor that gave me the strength to face any audience all played a role in me becoming the best version of myself. For me it is the place where my nana and grandpa showed me their magic, they were Bradfordians through and through and although they are no longer with us, their sensibilities and all the things they imparted in me in Bradford means more to me than anything else in the world. Every great thing I do in life they will always be a part of and so will Bradford.   

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford? 

The day Emile at MAPA introduced me to The Prince’s Trust changed my life! I went from performing on council estates to royal estates and that wouldn’t have been possible without the nurturing of MAPA. When everyone else had written me off, they gave me some shoulders to stand on and I will be forever grateful. 

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

If you’d asked me a few years ago while my nana was still alive, I would have said her flat on Wyke Estate – it was my safe haven; the only place I ever felt I could truly be myself. Sadly she passed in 2021 and we no longer have her flat. I think my favourite place now is probably the MyLahore restaurant. It’s not got the same sentimental resonance for me, but Ishfaq and the owners have made it a place I can call my place whenever I’m back in town. 

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’? 

The incredible people. 

Shirley Oldale, assistant SEND co-ordinator and SEMH lead, Belle Vue Girls’ Academy

Describe Bradford in three words

Diverse, multicultural, home.

What does Bradford mean to you?

A home from home where I belong.

How has Bradford shaped you?

It has made me more open minded, more knowledge about how it feels to move from a different country (Ireland) and to feel a sense of belonging, more cultured, given me more awareness of poverty, religion, what it means to be a Yorkshire person.

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?

That my son was born here and that I have some wonderful friends and family members here.

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

Robert’s Park and I love Waterstones in the city centre.

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?

The diversity of its people and how they embrace each other cultures, including food culture.

Nia Archives, award-winning DJ, producer, singer and songwriter

Describe Bradford in three words.

Yorkshire, culture, origins.  

What does Bradford mean to you?

It’s home to me. I was born there. It’s where I spent a lot of my early life and where my family still lives. 

How has Bradford shaped you?

I am a Bradfordian at heart even though I lived in Leeds. It’s a huge part of my childhood. I used to go to the carnival a lot as kid, MAPA [cultural arts centre] too, and Playscheme. That was one of the first introductions to soundsystem culture for me. As I am about to release my debut album Silence Is Loud, it’s clear my time there was hugely instrumental and shaped the jungle sound I make today. 

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?

I remember seeing Benjamin Zephaniah at the Alhambra in 2005. 

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

My grandma Liz’s house. 

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?

The people! 

Savitri Cameron, nurse and advanced clinical practitioner, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust

Describe Bradford in three words.

Multicultural, rewarding, friendly. 

What does Bradford mean to you?

Its diversity gives it a uniqueness that nowhere else has. The different races and religions living side by side in harmony makes it a city where there are so many differences in a small area. 

How has Bradford shaped you?

It has encouraged me to learn about different cultures and to experience different foods. As a nurse I have a better understanding of how to tailor my advice and meet the health needs of the diverse population of the city.  

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?

Three moments. 1. My fondest moment was in recognition of my great achievement within my nursing career, I was nominated by Bradford District Care Trust to attend the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. 2. After serving in the NHS for 52 years – 27 years within Bradford District Care Trust – I was given a long service award. 3. I was nominated to attend the cathedral to participate in the Thanksgiving Service to celebrate the work of all the emergency services during the Covid epidemic. 

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

Alhambra Theatre, where I have attended many wonderful performances. 

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?

Its uniqueness, in that many different types of people live side by side providing a very multicultural society and respecting each other values. 

Bobby Pointon, striker, Bradford City AFC

Describe Bradford in three words. 

Multicultural, bustling, lively. 

What does Bradford mean to you? 

A place I am proud to be from and brought up in. 

How has Bradford shaped you? 

It has made me humble, ambitious and hard working. 

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford? 

Bradford City beating Leeds United at home, as a fan. As a player, my first goal for Bradford City. 

Where is your favourite place in Bradford? 

Valley Parade stadium. 

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’? 

Bradfordians. 

Noor, poet and Bradford 2025 Youth Panel member

Describe Bradford in three words. 

Innovative, welcoming, diverse. 

What does Bradford mean to you?

It is my home. It is a city full of opportunities for me – for my poetry, acting and other passions. A city of safety and creativity, where I can get involved and express myself. A city that encourages me to be myself.  

How has Bradford shaped you?

Although it may be a small city, its potential is huge. Bradford is a big, beautiful mess of cultures; while this means I can learn about other cultures, it also means that I am strongly connected with and able to learn about my own. 

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?

During a workshop that was exploring life in Bradford, I met some amazing people who had some amazing stories to share. Being a young person, I was in awe of these older people who had experienced so much, moved from place to place but most of all, I was curious as to why out of everywhere, they had chosen to live in Bradford. We agreed that every city has its negatives but the main reason they decided to stay here was the people.

Where is your favourite place in Bradford? 

The countryside is beyond beautiful; the parks are just the same. My favourite park would be Lister Park, simply because it is close to where I live so I have been going to the park ever since I was little. I have memories of going with my school, having easter egg hunts, playing with my parents, having picnics, feeding ducks and now I can take and make the same memories with my younger cousins. 

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?

It is an old city but also the youngest city in the UK. The city’s history and old buildings really add to the character of the city, along with the youth who are changing the city itself and the stereotypes on it. City of Culture 2025 is giving the youth, including me, more scope to be involved in this positive change. 

Rebecca Palmer, subject leader – personal development, Belle Vue Girls’ Academy

How has Bradford shaped you?

It has been my home all my life. I have grown up, made friends, been educated at worked here, so it has shaped all my experiences of life.

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?

A childhood memory of Bradford City returning home in their open top bus after their playoffs win at Wembley in 1996. It was really exciting seeing the huge crowds welcoming the team home to the city with pride.

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

I don’t have just one favourite place. The parks, moors, woods, river and canal – areas that I am so fortunate to live so close to and enjoy with my family. The Alhambra Theatre is a historical gem we must continue to use visit and maintain, and I have fond memories of the Odeon cinema that will soon be brought back to life in its new form as a music venue.

Rob Grillo, subject leader – geography, Belle Vue Girls’ Academy

Describe Bradford in three words.

Multicultural, diverse, regeneration. 

What does Bradford mean to you? 

I’ve taught in the district for over 30 years, so it means an awful lot. I’ve met some wonderful people, learnt so much from them, and have seen some fabulous improvements in recent years. I think of the city as one that is undergoing a resurgence and re-evaluation, which is pretty exciting really.  

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

Valley Parade, home of Bradford City FC. The club might not be doing particularly well on the field of play at the moment, but I’ve been going there for 40 years and experienced all the highs and lows. 

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?

Its unique history, from its inception as the Broad Ford, through to its position as a world leader in the textile trade, and its recent resurgence and regeneration. Also, having recently completed another book on the history of Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, I’ve seen how the city and its people helped to pioneer the education of women in the UK. 

Mehwash Kauser, lead teacher, Belle Vue Girls’ Academy

Describe Bradford in three words.

Innovation, youthful, cosmopolitan.  

What does Bradford mean to you?

A place of belonging, innovation and community: we are among the most entrepreneurial cities in Europe and with our very young population filled with energy and a zest for life, it is easy to appreciate why!     

How has Bradford shaped you?

It has cultivated a sense of belonging, a place to be educated, inspired, motivated and challenged. It is a place filled with fresh, youthful energy, joy, welcome, banter and fun.   

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?

The city is difficult to encapsulate in a moment, but the opening of Broadway after years of waiting was a key moment in shifting our energy and looking forward. 

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

The Alhambra Theatre: it is a place of wonder and whimsy, a place to be transported into stories and worlds you wouldn’t experience otherwise.    

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?

It is all about people, food, energy and youth. There is a grit, a resilience, an edge that makes it effortlessly cool and edgy as is reflected in the amazing arts and theatre scene!  

7bEn1 (a group of Year 7 students), Belle Vue Girls’ Academy

Describe Bradford in three words.

Multicultural, diverse, multi-faith. 

What does Bradford mean to you?

Great food, knowing everyone and feeling like you’re part of a community. Being able to find new places to eat and go out. Great places to shop in and enjoy: Cannon Mills; MyLahore, Phat Boyz, Cha Cha Chai, Mr T’s, Bombay Stores, Love Shakes, Rajas, Ice City, Dixons Milk Ices, Sweet Centre, Freshco, Heavenly Desserts, Dukes, Moodys.   

How has Bradford shaped you?

Giving opportunities to share and learn about different cultures. Eat better food. Respectful of each other’s differences. 

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?

Moments of happiness at Lister Park Fun Fair. 

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

Broadway, Ice Arena, Alhambra Theatre, Science and Media Museum, City Park, Lister Park, Cartwright Hall, Saltaire, Roberts Park, Ilkley Moor, Chellow Dean. 

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?

Friendships, food, ice cream trucks – the Lister Park one! 

Big Issue vendor Mohammed, who now has a pitch in Crosspool, Sheffield, spent his formative years in Bradford

People in Bradford always stick together and help each other out. When I was a teenager, I didn’t go to school, I had to look after my family at that age, working in a restaurant, learning to make breads and kebabs. This gave me a sense of responsibility and dedication, and a willingness to help others. My favourite place is the area I lived, Manningham. I fondly remember visiting the park there, and the park lifting my spirits when I felt down. It has changed a lot since I lived there. It is difficult to find a job, but I am still struck by the sense of community, and people looking out for and supporting each other. 

And the answers from Zayn himself

How would you describe Bradford in three words?

Bradford is raw, honest and beautiful. 

What does Bradford mean to you?

Bradford is home. 

What’s a moment that will always make you think fondly of Bradford?

That is a hard one, you know. I spent most of my life there before I was in the band, so there were a lot of poignant moments that helped shape me and make me the person I am. To pick one would be really hard. But I’m very proud of where I come from and the way that I carry myself because of it. 

Where is your favourite place in Bradford?

My favourite place was my grandparents’ house when they were alive. I enjoyed going to that house, it was great. 

What makes Bradford, ‘Bradford’?

I think the raw honesty. There’s no beating around the bush, they’re very blunt and honest and that’s something that I find is a rarity in today’s world. 

This article is taken from The Big Issue magazine, which exists to give homeless, long-term unemployed and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy!

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