Coraline - Outdoor Screening

A free screening of the animation film 'Coraline' took place in City Park last night, projected onto the UK's largest inflatable cinema screen.  The event was part of the build up to the 19th Bradford Animation Festival which is held in November at the National Media Museum here in Bradford.  The spectators were quite a hardy bunch as the temperature was around 5C.  I managed to stay for an hour, but decided to head for home and a warm bath when my fingers went dead and I couldn't work the camera any more!

Dog Walker

Early morning is my favourite part of the day, with a little bit of mist, frost on the ground, and the sun just above the horizon, perfect.  Usually the only person there to share it with me is the odd dog walker.

Chimneys

Chimneys and bell on the roof of the lodge at Roberts Park, Saltaire.  I believe the bell sounded at the end of each day as the park was closed overnight, that was back in the days of Sir Titus Salt.  I don't think the bell is currently in working order as there does not appear to be a rope connected to it.

Football In The Square

I suppose you can find a scene like this in any town or city, lads kicking a ball about.  It's the sort of thing you walk past every day without really noticing.  These lads thought it would be fun to kick the ball across in front of me when I was about to take a picture, so I invited them to carry on.  It's a more interesting picture than the one I initially had in mind, the unusual structures are part of the Garden Of Light.

Garden Of Daylight

Some of the sculptures in the Garden Of Light look almost as good in the daytime as they do in the dark.

Save The Ice



'Save the Ice' campaigners on the steps of City Hall last Saturday.  Polar ice is melting at an alarming rate due to global warming and is believed to be affecting weather patterns around the world.  This group were in Centenary Square to raise awareness of the receding ice and to alert people to the consequences, extreme temperatures, changes in ocean currents and raised sea levels.  I think there is some truth in this, the weather in this country seems to have become more unsettled in recent years, just look at the weather we have had  so far this year.  I suppose only time will tell if these changes are permanent.

Garden Of Light - Francois Fouilhe

Francois Fouilhe, artistic director of TILT in Centenary Square at the weekend.  The French lighting specialist organisation TILT has built up quite a reputation over the years with lighting installations across the major cities of Europe and beyond, I believe their last job was in Moscow.

Garden Of Light & Mirror Pool

The Garden Of Light from the mirror pool.  It seems there is always someone in the mirror pool, even at night.

Garden Of Light

Centenary Square has been transformed into a 'Garden Of Light' with plant like sculptures lit by a combination of LED, fibre optic, tungsten and fluorescent light sources.  I didn't know quite what to expect when I first heard about these giant light sculptures coming to Bradford. I was really impressed though, and I think most of the visitors were equally impressed. The light show runs each evening until 14 October, I think I will have to have a return visit.

St James Church - Baildon

This unusual timber framed church (unusual as we don't have timber framed churches in this area) stands beside the main Shipley to Otley road.  I have not had a proper look at the church in quite a while, and I had not really noticed these palm trees when driving past.  We don't really have palm trees around here, so it's a case of  unusual trees in front of an unusual church!

Bradford Birds Of Prey

This little owl (I can't remember the species) was one of number of owls on display at Bolling Hall last weekend.  The birds belong to Bradford Birds Of Prey, a 24 hour emergency rescue service for injured birds based here in Bradford.  The organisation also visits local schools with static and flying displays.

Want To Buy A Dodgy Watch?

He didn't really try to sell me a dodgy watch, he was in the town centre to promote Bradford Apple Day held at Bowling Park Community Orchard.  The event is this Sunday (7th October) and is organised by the Bradford Apple Group.  Unfortunately I don't think I will be able to attend on the day, a shame really as it sounds quite interesting.

Dynamo - Magician

This was the scene outside of Waterstones bookshop a few days ago.  The large queue of people were patiently waiting to see magician Dynamo (real name Steven Frayne) who was in his home town of Bradford to promote his new book 'Nothing Is Impossible'.  I was ignorant as to who Dynamo was and upon making a few inquiries with his fans discovered that he can 'walk on water' amongst other feats, and has appeared on TV numerous times, so I will have to keep an eye out for Mr. Dynamo in the future.

Bolling Hall - The Bradford Militia

An enthusiastic Bradford Militia force the Kings men into retreat.  I might add that I feared for my own safety at this point.