Zayn Malik said Bradford was a 'very special place'
- author, Charles Hayslet
- Role, BBC News
FORMER One Direction star Zayn Malik has been unveiled as an ambassador for Bradford's City of Culture.
The 31-year-old singer is originally from West Bowling – although he now spends most of his time in the US.
As an ambassador, he will attend some of the 1,000 shows, exhibitions and events this year.
“I have traveled all over the world but my roots and family are still in Bradford,” Malik said.
The announcement was made at Bradford City's Valley Parade Stadium.
Malik first rose to fame with the band One Direction in 2010, then moved on to a solo career after leaving the group in 2015.
In a video message shown at Valley Parade, he said: “Bradford is and always will be home to me.
“It is a very special place and I am delighted to see that it has been recognized as a UK City of Culture 2025.
“There are some exciting projects I get involved in throughout the year that I can't wait to share with you.
“Now we can celebrate this great city and the people who live and work here with the rest of the world.”
“Our countdown has begun.”
A new 'Love Bradford 2025' logo was also unveiled, as well as plans to recruit more than 3,500 volunteers from the area.
Three free events are also scheduled to take place this year in the run-up to 2025.
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, said: “In 2024, we are gearing up for a region-wide cultural program that will put Bradford on the national and international stage.
“I'm thrilled to have Bradford star Zayn Malik joining us on this journey – his creative vision and passion for his hometown align strongly with our brand values.
“Zain’s participation, as well as the three special events in 2024, are just a glimpse of what is to come in 2025. This is the beginning – our countdown has begun.”
Bradford 2025 CEO Daniel Bates at the launch with Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar and Morrisons CEO Rami Baytiya
The free events will kick off this spring with Where I Started from May 3 to October 13 – an art exhibition by British-Pakistani artist Usman Yousufzada.
French street theater company Compagnie OFF will perform in the city center on August 24, and Four Nations: Bradford will see images of people from the city displayed across the area in September.
Ryan Sparkes, chief executive of the Bradford City AFC, said: “It is truly a great success that Bradford has achieved UK City of Culture status for next year.
“We will carry a phrase referencing UK City of Culture below the logo on our playing shirts for the next two seasons, which will be worn with great pride in what Bradford have achieved.”
