Despite freezing temperatures, the launch of Bradford City of Culture 2025 warmed the heart. From spectacular speeches high up on scaffolding by spoken word poet Kirsty Taylor to a marvellous magic show by Steven Frayne, formerly Dynamo.

Whoever decided to hold Bradford’s City of Culture launch outdoors in January, after dark and in subzero temperatures, was either a born optimist or someone deeply in touch with the Bradfordian psyche.

A fearless burst of brilliant energy has swept Bradford2025 into shining lights with a dynamic launch for a "city of dreams".