From Europe House to Yorkshire

With months of preparation behind it, EUNIC (the EU National Institutes for Culture network London), supported by the EU Delegation, designed a programme of European cultural exhibits and performances, called Bridges to Europe, to be part of Bradford2025. The drive behind the programme is to underline the wealth of connections, historic and current, between the city of Bradford and Europe. 

With the launch of this European season of Bradford2025 and Europe Month 2025 dovetailing perfectly  - it provided a important opportunity for Ambassador Serrano to travel north, mark the start of Europe Month and meet members of the political, cultural and academic leaders of the area. 
 

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The mission began with meetings at Bradford’s imposing townhall, where the Ambassador met with the leader of Bradford Council, Susan Hinchcliffe followed by a tour of Bradford2025’s lively HQ and the chance to meet the City of Culture’s dedicated staff. 
 

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Launching Europe Month 

The evening’s main event took place at the newly opened Loading Bay cultural venue right in the heart of Bradford. A repurposed industrial building, the brand new performance and exhibition space was a great example of the commitment and vision of Bradford2025 to bring new life to Bradford’s city centre. 

 

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Opening speeches from the creative Directors of Bradford2025, Shanaz Gulzar and Dan Bates and EUNIC co-President and Deputy Representative of Flanders to the UK, Jeroen Deckmyn emphasized the importance of cultural exchange, collaboration and its role in fostering community, regeneration and civic pride. Ambassador Serrano’s words echoed these sentiments and in launching Europe Month 2025 he celebrated the creativity of the UK’s European diaspora and the breath of EU-UK ties and connection.

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The Ambassador also reminded the audience of the significance of Europe Day on this 75^th anniversary year of the Schuman Declaration and the importance of the message of peace that drove the EU’s foundation. Thanking EUNIC and BRADFORD2025 and the members of the local creative, political and regional diplomatic communities in attendance the Ambassador welcomed the performers to the stage – amongst them local Ukrainian folk dance group and the UK based Dutch singer Kymara.

 

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At the invitation of Bradford’s Lord Mayor and the Dean of Bradford Cathedral, the evening ended with dinner in the beautiful surrounds of the Cathedral itself. 
 

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A wonderful gathering, entitled ‘Conversation and Curry’  - the occasion brought together local dignitaries, Bradford University academics and the College of Cathedral Deans from across the UK to discuss the opportunities open for Bradford’s continued journey of regeneration. 
 

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Before returning to London, the Ambassador was delighted to have the opportunity to visit the family home of the world reknowned Brontë sisters’ at the Bronte Parsonage Museum and also the Unesco World Heritage Site at Saltaire which includes Salts Mill and the Peace museum – providing an insight into the incredible historical and cultural importance of Bradford’s surrounding area. 

With special thanks to EUNIC, Bradford2025, Bradford Cathedral, Rebecca Yorke and Ann Dinsdale of The Bronte Parsonage Museum and Zoe & Davina Silver of Salts Mills for a wonderful mission to kick start Europe Month 2025.   

More updates to follow on the Delegation’s celebration of Europe Day 2025