JUDGES in the 2025 UK City of Culture contest have visited Keighley as the district battles to win the coveted crown.

The ten-strong judging panel toured sites across Bradford to view and hear about its cultural offering and ambitions.

Among the venues was arts hub Keighley Creative, which has ambitious expansion plans as part of the Towns Fund proposals.

Judges ­– headed-up by Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks creator Sir Phil Redmond – initially attended a 'welcome event' at the National Science and Media Museum, before splitting into two groups to take in locations district-wide.

As part of the city-centre element of the tour, the panel donned hard hats for a behind-the-scenes look at the former Odeon building to see its ongoing transformation into entertainment venue Bradford Live – a project being carried out by Keighley construction firm RN Wooler.

The judges were also introduced to a number of faith leaders, and met some of the young people who have been instrumental in shaping Bradford’s bid.

Keighley woman Shanaz Gulzar, chair of Bradford 2025, said: "I want to thank all the brilliant creatives, businesses, community groups and individuals who pulled out all the stops to showcase to the expert advisory panel just why Bradford deserves to be the next UK City of Culture.

"We tried to take the panel on a journey, not just geographically but to discover all those things that make Bradford district so unique. I think we demonstrated that not only does Bradford need the City of Culture title but we also want it, we’re ready for it and it’s most definitely our time."

Bradford Council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, said: "We showcased to the judging panel what the district has to offer – and how it can deliver a unique and diverse year of culture. It will put Bradford district on the map – bringing in more visitors and new jobs in tourism, and helping revitalise the city centre evening economy as well as our towns and villages after some challenging years.

"The district has put culture at the heart of its social and economic recovery from the pandemic and this bid forms part of the council’s ten-year cultural strategy. It offers a platform for the voices and experiences of our many communities and cultures."

Other contenders for the crown are County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough. The winner will be announced later this month.