Demonstration - Centenary Square

I recently visited Bradford town centre for the Christmas lights switch on, and came across this demonstration in Centenary Square. 

Christmas Parade

A parade through the centre of Bradford to mark the start of Christmas shopping.

Bradford Run

Competitor in the recent Bradford Run, a half marathon, and in that suit!

Roof Space - Salts Mill

I have recently visited the Saltaire Festival.  One of the highlights for me was an exhibition of black and white prints by  photographer Asadour Guzelian.  The prints were mounted on the walls of this vast roof space at Salts Mill, Saltaire.

Proceeds of Crime

This car was recently on display in front of Bradford Town Hall.  The car was seized following a criminal investigation and is regarded as 'proceeds of crime'.  The idea is to strip criminals of illegally obtained assets;  the car will later be sold.

Chairs - Centenary Square

I sometimes arrive early for events that I intend to photograph.  Here are some chairs in Centenary Square, Bradford.

Man With Office Chair

I was photographing these road works in Bradford town centre when this man walked into the picture pushing an office chair. I thought it was a bit of an odd thing to do, and took a picture of it. He probably wondered why I was taking pictures of road works as it is an odd thing to do.

Veterans Day - Centenary Square

The weather was warm and sunny for the Veterans Day service and open-air tea dance which took place today in Centenary Square, Bradford.

The day started with a centuries old Drumhead Service.  Traditionally soldiers in the field would make an altar by placing their standards on neatly laid drums.

The afternoon continued with a real party atmosphere.  There was jive dancing with the incredible 'Jiving Lindy Hoppers' backed by the equally impressive 'Swing Shifters' band.

Cycle Fest 2010 - Lister Park

This is Jimmy Biondi giving an impressive display of twisting, spinning and balancing on his BMX bike at the Bradford Cycle Fest 2010.  Jimmy travelled all the way from Strasbourg in North Eastern France to give this performance in Lister Park.

Yorkshire Regiment Parade

The Yorkshire Regiment paraded through the streets of Bradford today with their newly presented colours flying.  The Regiment were accompanied by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas followed by the Colours Guard.

Keith McCarter Sculpture

Passing motorists are probably unaware of the existence of this stainless steel sculpture by Keith McCarter.  It stands near a very busy road junction in Bradford town centre,  I only really noticed it mylself because I was on foot and had time to look around.  The building to the right of the sculpture is the former Odeon Cinema with its distinctive domed frontage.  This building has gradually deteriorated since its closure and now appears to be in quite poor condition.

Bike Breakfast

In an effort to encourage more people to cycle to work, cyclists were treated to a free breakfast this morning at City Hall, Bradford.

Mirror Pool

Constuctiuon work is continuing on Bradford's ambitious City Park Project.  The area pictured in the photograph will eventually be transformed into a mirror pool.  Some businesses in the city centre are struggling to survive while the disruption continues.

Mughal Gardens - Lister Park

This water garden uses a combination of Islamic and Indian styles with its fountains and canals.  The entire park was renovated several years ago and the water garden was introduced as a new feature.

Mayor's Civic Parade - Bradford

This brass band is part of the Lord Mayor's Civic Parade.  In the background you can see the hoardings for Bradfords famous 'Hole'.  The 'Hole' is a huge area of the town centre which was demolished to make way for a major retail development.  This project has been on hold for several years.  Work is due to recommence when the recession is over, in the meantime there are plans to grass over part of the area.

Mayor's Parade - Bradford

The Lord Mayor's Carnival Parade took place today in Bradford town centre.  This years theme was the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity using the iconic image of the tiger.  The Lord Mayor's Civic Parade also took place simultaneously, the two parades joining together a short distance from their City Hall destination.

Illingworth Tomb - Undercliffe Cemetry

This is the tomb of Alfred Illingworth and his wife.  The Illingworth family were walthy Bradford mill owners.  The structure of this unusual tomb is based upon the ancient Egyptian 'mastaba'.  The mastaba was the tomb of the Egyptian social elite and consisted of an underground burial chamber with an above ground chapel.  The family would bring food and other offerings for the soul of the deceased to this chapel.

Circus Preparations - Bradford Mela

This circus peformer was preparing for a show later in the day.

Annapurna Indian Dance - Bradford Mela

This Indian dance company uses storytelling and rhythmic Indian dance in its colourful performances.  The company visits festivals, schools, and theatres to help promote a greater understanding of Indian traditions and culture.

Street Theatre - Bradford Mela

I think this scary looking fellow might be Ravana the ten headed monster.