A HOST of initiatives has been unveiled as the district's countdown to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture continues.

The build up will include, in September, a Four Nations: Bradford project.

Through a co-commission with Impressions Gallery and Bradford 2025, people's portraits will be displayed in public places across the district to coincide with the launch of the UK City of Culture programme. The photos will then be shown at venues in Bradford, Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow next year.

Another new venture is Short Film Lab and Fund.

Bradford 2025 – with Screen Yorkshire and The Unit, a production space in Keighley – will offer eight filmmakers or teams the chance to take part in a ten-week programme to develop ideas through a series of masterclasses and workshops led by TV and film industry professionals. Three of the teams will then be selected to produce and premiere their film next year as part of the celebrations.

A new Bradford 2025 brand has also been revealed.

Created by Leeds-based design studio Rabbithole, it includes a 'Love Bradford 2025' logo – which incorporates Bradford’s BD postcode prefix into a heart emblem. People can download the logo at bradford2025.co.uk, and are encouraged to display it in their home or business premises.

A Bradford 2025 ambassador has been appointed – singer-songwriter Zayn Malik, who was born in the city.

And a major volunteer programme is taking place, which aims to recruit more than 3,500 people to be the 'welcoming faces' of the district during 2025 and help out behind the scenes at events. Applications will open on April 10.

Keighley woman Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, says: "We are gearing up for a district-wide cultural programme which will put Bradford on a national and international stage.

"I’m thrilled that Bradford’s very own superstar Zayn Malik is joining us on this journey – his creative vision and passion for his hometown strongly aligns with our brand values.

"This is the start – our countdown has begun."

Corporate backers of Bradford 2025 include Morrisons and Bradford City Football Club.

Daniel Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025, says: "To welcome Morrisons as a major partner, alongside the Bradford City FC partnership, is a fantastic show of confidence in our designation as UK City of Culture. Together, we have exciting plans for ways in which we can reach thousands of people across the district and nationally."