London 2012 Paralympics - Bradford

Citizens of Bradford watching the London Paralympics on the BBC Big Screen in the town centre today, and unusually for this summer, no rain!

Lord Mayor's Carnival Parade - Bradford 2012

Over 1300 schoolchildren took part in the Lord Mayor's Carnival Parade today.  The theme this year was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee so there was plenty of red white and blue on show.  I took this picture from the top of the pavilion as the head of procession made a circuit of the mirror pool and then proceeded to the city centre via Centenary Square.

Bradford District Fair Trade Way

This group of walkers completed the last leg of the Bradford District Fair Trade Way yesterday.  The walk links the Fairtrade villages and towns of Bradford, Bingley, Shipley, Baildon, Burley, Ilkley, Haworth, Denholme and Thornton.  I think the walkers were a bit ahead of schedule as they arrived in the town centre earlier than I anticipated and I nearly missed them.

World Fairtrade Day - Bradford

Volunteers were out and about in the city centre today raising awareness of the Fairtrade movement as part of World Fairtrade Day.  Buying Fairtrade produce ensures that farmers and workers in developing countries receive a fair price for their goods, better working conditions and a premium to improve the community that they live in.

Moorish Arches - Centenary Square

These unusual carved entrance doors are actually on a modern building in Centenary Square.  I haven't looked closely at them before, and I am no expert on Islamic architecture, but they do look like they are genuine old entrance doors.

Mirror Pool - Last Minute Tweaks

It's the official opening of the Bradford City Park and mirror pool tomorrow. Last minute testing and tweaking was in progress around the pool this morning, including testing of these vents. I hadn't seen these vents working before, from a distance the vapour looks like smoke, but it's probably steam, clever stuff!

The Hole

     This is what lies beyond the green painted hoardings of the Bradford Urban Garden.  These excavations and foundations were started several years ago, then the recession hit and everything was put on hold.  The site is referred to by most Bradfordians as 'The Hole'.