Bradford has been honored for its rich history and diverse community since it was named a UK City of Culture 2025.
Rhyme Minister Boris Johnson said the victory was announced live on television by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries on Tuesday, drawing on the “dynamism of the city”.
Bradford defeated fellow finalists County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough.
Ms Doris, who revealed the winner on BBC’s The One Show, said the standard of entries this year was “unprecedented”.
She said the runner-up would “go home with £125,000”.
Bradford East Labor MP Imran Hussain tweeted of his happiness at the win, saying: “Bradford is beautiful, Bradford is fantastic, and Bradford is now #UKCityofCulture2025!!
“There really is no better place, and I’m glad the ministers agree with me.”
Bradford 2025’s official bid account on Twitter wrote: “It’s time to celebrate our extraordinary district – and to begin an exciting new chapter in our story for our young population to be leaders and changers.”
Ms Doris said Bradford “fully deserved” the win, tweeting that it was “a pleasure” to announce it.
She wrote: “Totally deserved and good news for this wonderful city.
“It’s time to showcase your rich history, diverse community and extraordinary people.”
Tweeting his congratulations, Mr Johnson said: “The title draws on the city’s rich history and dynamism, which brings investment and opportunity to everyone who lives and works there.”
Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley for the District of Bradford, said the title would provide “a terrible economic boost for our region”.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “I congratulate all the team involved in this bidding process and I know the people of Bradford are ready to take this opportunity and shine nationally.
The shortlist was compiled from a record group of 20 who had entered bids to take the title from Coventry.
The advisory panel, headed by Sir Phil Redmond, visited the four shortlisted locations before making its final recommendation in May, which was later approved by Ms Doris.
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Coventry marks the end of its term as UK City of Culture (Doug Peters/PA).
Michael Oakwell, who was in the Southampton 2025 City of Culture steering group, praised the work of the organizing team for their bid as “fantastic” and congratulated Bradford on the win.
Durham City Labor MP Mary Kelly Foy said it was not “disappointing”, but her bid “highlighted the extraordinary cultural heritage of our county”.
For the first time this year, the eight long-listed winners received a £40,000 grant to strengthen their applications. These included Cornwall, Derby, Stirling and Armagh City, Bainbridge and Craigavon.
Since winning the title, Coventry has invested more than £172 million in concerts and the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery, as well as £500 million for the city’s regeneration, digital, culture, media and sport department has invested more than Told.
