City of Culture launch set to go ahead despite ice

Organisers are "pulling out all the stops" to ensure the first event of Bradford City of Culture 2025 goes ahead despite predictions that temperatures could drop to -4C.

The open-air event, Rise, which has been created by award-winning director Kirsty Housley and Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne - formerly known as Dynamo, is set to take place on Friday evening.

But with snowy and icy conditions, extra efforts are being made to keep areas clear and safe to ensure the show's cast of 200 can kickstart the celebrations as planned.

Ben Pugh, director of production for the event, said doors would open early, with hot food and drinks available to help people warm up before the show.

Key routes in and out of the city would be kept gritted, Mr Pugh told BBC Radio Leeds.

However, he said the forecast for dry weather meant areas that had been gritted, including City Park and stations, would stay clear.

When asked if he could guarantee the event would go ahead, Mr Pugh said "absolutely", but then added "you never say never with these sorts of things".

Mr Pugh said he felt "everything is being thrown at us this week".

"The snow is at levels we've not seen in the city centre of Bradford for a long, long time and then those freezing temperatures," he said.

But rehearsals had remained on track.

He said the cast had been attending the rehearsals despite poor weather, showing "that great Bradford resilience".

"The energy that's coming off the stage will keep people buoyed and warm - that's the thing we can't stand in the way of," he said.

Performances of Rise are due to take place on Friday and Saturday and will last around 30 minutes.

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