Latest news with #BradfordLive
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Councillor welcomes watchdog's investigation over Bradford Live settlement term
A COUNCILLOR has welcomed the Information Commissioner's Office investigation into Bradford Council's refusal to share details of the agreed settlement terms between Bradford Live and NEC Group. Last September, it was revealed that the Birmingham-based NEC Group had quit the £50.5 million taxpayer-funded Bradford Live project. At the time, a joint statement from Bradford Council and the NEC Group said: "Bradford Council and the NEC Group have agreed settlement terms to release NEC from the contract that was in place for them to operate the venue." The T&A subsequently asked the Council questions about the agreed settlement terms under the Freedom of Information Act - but the authority repeatedly declined to provide answers. The T&A therefore lodged a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office in January, believing that the public has a right to know more about the agreed settlement terms. This week, the Information Commissioner's Office confirmed it had launched an investigation over the matter. Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, leader of the Conservative group on Bradford Council, welcomed the news. She told the T&A: "My colleagues and I have been calling for transparency regarding this site for several years now, particularly since it became apparent that the final cost to various taxpayer-funded budgets was double the original budget at over £50m. "Specifically in relation to the exit settlement for the NEC Group, we fully understand that there was a need for non-disclosure during and immediately after the negotiations to terminate the agreement, but due to the passage of time, it seems unlikely that the release of the information continues to pose any real threat to the commercial interests of either organisation." A Bradford Council spokesperson said in response: "We welcome the news that the Information Commissioner's Office has now assigned a case officer, in fact as a Council we have been pressing for this for some time. "We have nothing to hide but it is for the Information Commissioner's Office to determine what can be published. "Local political party leaders know the legal position and why the Council can't say anything further on the matter - they too are bound by commercial confidentiality having been briefed on the matter. "Bradford Live was supported by the people of Bradford and saved by the Council - it is a world-class venue with a quality operator in the driving seat. "We're delighted to have done this for the people of Bradford district." A new operator, Trafalgar Entertainment, was appointed for Bradford Live in February.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Royal News Roundup: Kate Middleton's Wax Statue, Prince Archie's Sweet Pic & King Charles's Rare Health Update
King Charles and Prince William attended the Service for the Order of the Bath, a royal tradition dating back hundreds of years. Buckingham Palace shared a striking image of the father-son duo standing side-by-side in traditional military attire. King Charles happily embraced a royal fan during a visit to the David Hockney Gallery in Bradford, although this is generally considered to be against royal protocol. The monarch was joined by Queen Camilla when he visited Bradford Live. They spoke with local artists and watched a rehearsal by students of 'Sing, Dance, Leap.' King Charles gave a rare health update at the Impact Hub Yorkshire in Little Germany, Bradford. He told a local florist he's "on the better side" of his cancer journey. The queen welcomed a furry member to the royal family. The 77-year-old royal shared a pic with her newly adopted rescue dog, Moley, on Instagram. The king and queen announced a few more details regarding their visit to North America, including the State Opening of the Parliament of Canada and a community event in Ottawa. Their Majesties visited the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show. The king was spotted with a traditional walking stick that bears a striking resemblance to the cane his late mother received as a gift from the British Army. Princess Catherine presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Patrick McDowell. For the occasion, she rocked an olive power suit by Victoria Beckham. The royal also paid tribute to the late queen by wearing her famous Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings. The Prince and Princess of Wales attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, marking Middleton's official return after a two-year hiatus. She stunned in butter-yellow—the same color her cousin-in-law, Zara Tindall, wore three days before. Middleton's statement hat had a surprise connection to her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle. Seven days after Middleton stepped out for a concert in a belted blazer dress, her cousin-in-law, Princess Beatrice, donned the same outfit at the FEVO Sport Industry Awards 2025 in London. Madame Tussauds London debuted a brand-new Kate Middleton wax figure, which includes a touching tribute to Princess Diana. Prince William showed his sporty side during a surprise visit to the Leith Community Centre in Scotland, and his body language spoke volumes. In honor of their seventh wedding anniversary, Markle paid tribute to Harry with a heartwarming collage that details their love story. It features several PDA pics and a sweet image of Prince Archie kissing Lilibet. Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, shared a vintage photo of their maternal grandfather, Maurice Fermoy, and his twin brother, Frank. Sarah Ferguson served as a guest speaker at the Foreign Sisters Lunch in support of Cancer Research UK. Duchess Sophie used Middleton's favorite parenting move while speaking with staff and students at the Royal School for the Blind Charity. Princess Eugenie shared a few highlights on Instagram after attending this year's Garden Party with her sister, Princess Beatrice. Princess Eugenie also visited Horatio's Garden at Salisbury District Hospital and met with people with spinal injuries. Want all the latest royal family news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Kate Middleton Wowed in Yellow at a Royal Garden Party—and It Instantly Reminded Me of 3 Days Earlier
Powys County Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Charles ‘flabbergasted' by magician during visit to Bradford
The King was 'flabbergasted' by magician Steven Frayne, who turned newspaper into £20 notes, during a royal visit to celebrate Bradford's status as the UK City of Culture. Bradford-born Frayne impressed Charles at the start of his tour of the Yorkshire city where he recognised another famous son, painter David Hockney, while the Queen visited the nearby home of the Bronte sisters. Teenager Florence McGrellis surprised the King with an impromptu hug when he toured the Hockney Gallery at Cartwright Hall. Florence, 15, who has Down's Syndrome, said afterwards it was 'awesome' adding, 'I'm friendly and I'm very helpful, and I'm a hugger', and the King seemed to enjoy the gesture, smiling and patting her on the back. The magic maestro, formerly known as Dynamo, showed the King new tricks he had been working on like an 'athlete' training, when Charles met a group supported by his King's Trust at a refurbished venue which will play a key role during Bradford's cultural year. He told the King he had just finished a run of 50 shows and was making a TV programme and joked 'you should come on it, we've got to tell our story, we go way back'. The entertainer, whose big break came after he was awarded a grant by Charles' trust, added: 'I wouldn't be doing magic today without the support you gave me.' The King replied: 'But it was your determination – you studied.' He produced a handful of note-sized pieces of paper and told the King 'I've got some newspaper clippings but I've been trying to take any bad news and turn it into good news', and as he tapped the paper pile it turned into £20 notes and Charles held the money to verify it. The classic 'pick a card' trick with a twist followed and Charles' apt selection of 'King of Hearts' became the new name for a string of wifi hotspots in the Bradford Live venue when the King named his card. Charles burst into laughter and Frayne said later: 'I've been fortunate to visit him in the royal estate, but it's nice to bring him back to my hood, to my estate – from council estate to royal estate. 'He's created an opportunity for someone (who felt) I'm invisible, there was no hope. It's almost come full circle as now he's back in Bradford, 2025 we're the capital of culture and he's once again inspiring hope and he's inspiring his own type of magic in all these incredible people.' Asked about the King's reaction to the magic, the entertainer replied: 'He just said it was absolutely phenomenal and a lot of amazing words that made my magic sound incredible, he said keep going, and said he was flabbergasted.' Earlier, Charles and Camilla met representatives from a range of heritage, arts and culture organisations in the Bradford Live venue who are all benefiting from the spotlight being shone on the city. And they watched a workshop featuring schoolchildren performing alongside professional singers and dancers for a show which will be staged in June. The Opera North, Northern Ballet and Royal Ballet and Opera production called Sing Dance Leap was commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. As they left to attend separate events in the city the couple went on a brief meet and greet with the public, shaking well-wishers' hands and Camilla chatted to Jackie Heron, 87, who wore a tiara and said of the Queen: 'She liked my regalia.' Camilla later visited the Bradford branch of the National Literary Trust, which she supports as patron, toured a school bus converted into a mobile centre promoting reading and writing, met volunteer literacy champions and local poets, and saw children taking part in a poetry session.
North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Charles and Camilla arrive in Bradford to mark City of Culture celebrations
Charles and Camilla were welcomed by a performance from Paraorchestra, an ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians. Crowds had gathered alongside crash barriers outside the venue Bradford Live to see the royal couple arrive for a visit that will set the seal on the year-long celebrations. Bradford was chosen as the UK City of Culture over 20 other bids in May 2022 by the Government to showcase its best in music, the arts and heritage. Bradford 2025 is taking place throughout Bradford District, an area of 141 square miles across West Yorkshire. It features performances, exhibitions, events and activities inspired by the variety in the landscape, from the city's historic centre to the surrounding countryside with a focus on the people of Bradford, from local artists to the diverse communities who call the city home. Shanaz Gulzar, creative director, and Dan Bates, executive director, of Bradford 2025, said: 'We are delighted that Their Majesties The King and Queen are visiting Bradford.' The senior figures behind the project said they were looking forward to sharing 'some of the highlights of what this city and district has to offer during this momentous year as UK City of Culture – a year which is helping to drive confidence and investment, bringing communities together to share in Bradford's vibrant cultural offer, and enabling skills and talent development to shape the future of one of the UK's youngest and most diverse cities'. In the village of Thornton near Bradford, the Queen visited the house where the Bronte children, Charlotte, Patrick Bromwell, Emily Jane and Anne were born. The terraced property in Market Street was built at the turn of the 19th century and was the first parsonage of the children's parents Patrick and Maria. All four children were born in front of the fireplace – the original of which still exists – and lived there for five years before the family moved to nearby Haworth on the edge of the moors. Charlotte went on to write Jane Eyre, Emily authored Wuthering Heights and Anne wrote The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall. On Thursday, Camilla officially opened the Bronte Birthplace which aims to tell the story of the literary family from cradle to grave. The house is now in public ownership after a two-year campaign which attracted more than 700 investors and achieved national recognition and grants from Bradford 2025, the Community Ownership Fund, the National Lottery Fund and Rural England. The Queen was shown around the regenerated building as she met committee members and volunteers. She also spoke to pupils from St Oswald CE Primary School in Bradford who have taken part in the Be More Bronte project – an education programme developed to spark a love of literature and reading and also show that, just like the Bronte sisters, anything is possible with ambition and hard work. Postcards were filled in by the children, on what career they aspired to, and will be kept at the house. School headmistress, and Bronte Birthplace committee member, Gillian Wilson asked the Queen if she wanted to write a postcard message. Camilla wrote 'Be More Bronte' and was complimented by eight-year-old Paige Booth who said: 'Nice handwriting.' The Queen smiled and said: 'My very bad writing.' She went on: 'It will be interesting when you all come back and see if you have managed to achieve what you wrote on the card.' Paige said: 'I think I have already decided to become an author.' Camilla said: 'Well then lots of people when they come back will be reading your books. 'I think you are all doing brilliantly and I shall be looking out for those authors.' She later unveiled an easel plaque to commemorate the opening. The chairwoman of the Bronte Birthplace, Katharine Barnett, said: 'It is such an honour to welcome Her Majesty the Queen to the birthplace of the Bronte children. 'This house is where the story began, and this moment feels like the true beginning of a new chapter for Thornton and the Bronte legacy.'
Leader Live
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Charles and Camilla arrive in Bradford to mark City of Culture celebrations
Charles and Camilla were welcomed by a performance from Paraorchestra, an ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians. Crowds had gathered alongside crash barriers outside the venue Bradford Live to see the royal couple arrive for a visit that will set the seal on the year-long celebrations. Bradford was chosen as the UK City of Culture over 20 other bids in May 2022 by the Government to showcase its best in music, the arts and heritage. Bradford 2025 is taking place throughout Bradford District, an area of 141 square miles across West Yorkshire. It features performances, exhibitions, events and activities inspired by the variety in the landscape, from the city's historic centre to the surrounding countryside with a focus on the people of Bradford, from local artists to the diverse communities who call the city home. Shanaz Gulzar, creative director, and Dan Bates, executive director, of Bradford 2025, said: 'We are delighted that Their Majesties The King and Queen are visiting Bradford.' The senior figures behind the project said they were looking forward to sharing 'some of the highlights of what this city and district has to offer during this momentous year as UK City of Culture – a year which is helping to drive confidence and investment, bringing communities together to share in Bradford's vibrant cultural offer, and enabling skills and talent development to shape the future of one of the UK's youngest and most diverse cities'. In the village of Thornton near Bradford, the Queen visited the house where the Bronte children, Charlotte, Patrick Bromwell, Emily Jane and Anne were born. The terraced property in Market Street was built at the turn of the 19th century and was the first parsonage of the children's parents Patrick and Maria. All four children were born in front of the fireplace – the original of which still exists – and lived there for five years before the family moved to nearby Haworth on the edge of the moors. Charlotte went on to write Jane Eyre, Emily authored Wuthering Heights and Anne wrote The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall. On Thursday, Camilla officially opened the Bronte Birthplace which aims to tell the story of the literary family from cradle to grave. The house is now in public ownership after a two-year campaign which attracted more than 700 investors and achieved national recognition and grants from Bradford 2025, the Community Ownership Fund, the National Lottery Fund and Rural England. The Queen was shown around the regenerated building as she met committee members and volunteers. She also spoke to pupils from St Oswald CE Primary School in Bradford who have taken part in the Be More Bronte project – an education programme developed to spark a love of literature and reading and also show that, just like the Bronte sisters, anything is possible with ambition and hard work. Postcards were filled in by the children, on what career they aspired to, and will be kept at the house. School headmistress, and Bronte Birthplace committee member, Gillian Wilson asked the Queen if she wanted to write a postcard message. Camilla wrote 'Be More Bronte' and was complimented by eight-year-old Paige Booth who said: 'Nice handwriting.' The Queen smiled and said: 'My very bad writing.' She went on: 'It will be interesting when you all come back and see if you have managed to achieve what you wrote on the card.' Paige said: 'I think I have already decided to become an author.' Camilla said: 'Well then lots of people when they come back will be reading your books. 'I think you are all doing brilliantly and I shall be looking out for those authors.' She later unveiled an easel plaque to commemorate the opening. The chairwoman of the Bronte Birthplace, Katharine Barnett, said: 'It is such an honour to welcome Her Majesty the Queen to the birthplace of the Bronte children. 'This house is where the story began, and this moment feels like the true beginning of a new chapter for Thornton and the Bronte legacy.'
