A MILESTONE in the district’s CV as a film production hotbed is being celebrated.

A series of events is planned to mark the 10th anniversary of Bradford’s designation as the first UNESCO City of Film.

The packed programme will include festivals and ‘screen talks’ with leading industry figures.

Last year, 35 movie and TV productions came to the Bradford district – and that figure is expected to rise in 2019.

The first port of call is Bradford Film Office, which finds locations and helps with crew hire, hotels, catering and vehicle access.

“Over the past two years we’ve supported some of the highest quality TV dramas in the world and we’re already seeing new enquiries from Netflix and a number of US and Indian films,” said David Wilson, director of Bradford City of Film.

“Each production brings economic benefits to the district. When Bollywood film Gold was here, cast and crew booked 4,000 bed nights over a three-month period and used local crew, extras and office facilities.”

Keighley is hailed as an invaluable part of the area’s film offering.

The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Dalton Mills, the Bronte Parsonage at Haworth and historic East Riddlesden Hall are among locations used regularly.

Producers of gritty BBC drama Peaky Blinders have frequently returned to the district since the first series was shot in 2013, using Dalton Mills and the Worth Valley railway line as well as Bradford buildings including City Hall and the Midland Hotel.

The crew was back to shoot series five last autumn.

“From a brief meeting with the location managers then a follow-up recce they just couldn’t believe how many great locations we have,” said Mr Wilson. “The crew loves filming here.”

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of the British Film Commission and Film London, praises the work of Bradford Film Office.

“Film and high-end TV are big business,” he added.

“Yorkshire is a dynamic region for creative industries, particularly film and TV. High-end TV successes include Peaky Blinders and Victoria.

“Bradford Film Office plays an important part in this success.”