The Creative Cities Convention selects Bradford as its 2025 host, coinciding with its UK City of Culture status.
- The annual convention attracts major players from the film and TV industry to discuss pressing issues.
- Incoming CCC director Lisa Campbell expresses excitement about Bradford’s hosting due to its diversity and youthfulness.
- The event aims to boost interest in Bradford’s screen sector and support its growth opportunities.
- Local leaders and directors view the convention as an opportunity to highlight Bradford’s creative capacity and media innovation.
The Creative Cities Convention, an esteemed event in the film and TV industry, will be hosted by Bradford on May 7 – 8, 2025. This aligns perfectly with Bradford’s designation as the UK City of Culture for the same year, highlighting its vibrant cultural scene. Each year, this convention is held in a different leading UK city, drawing hundreds of delegates eager to engage with prominent figures and discuss industry challenges.
Lisa Campbell, newly appointed director of the Creative Cities Convention, expressed her enthusiasm about the convention taking place in Bradford, known for its diversity and young population. She stated, “As Bradford prepares to become UK City of Culture in 2025, we cannot think of a better place to bring the Creative Cities Convention than to this most diverse and youthful of British cities.” Her remarks underline the strategic choice of Bradford as a host, aiming to elevate the city’s profile on the national stage.
The two-day event is set to generate substantial interest in Bradford’s screen sector, focusing on growth opportunities and showcasing local talent. Exciting initiatives include promoting the free-to-use screen hub in Keighley, known as The Unit, designed to foster media connections within the region. Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, commented on the significance of the convention, highlighting Bradford’s ongoing dedication to fostering creative industries and cementing its role as an innovative media hub.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, also emphasized the transformative potential of 2025 for the region’s creative industries. She pointed out that the convention will not only spotlight the opportunities available in Bradford but also contribute to the career growth of creative talents across West Yorkshire. Her enthusiasm reflects a broader regional effort to harness the year’s cultural significance to drive economic and job growth within the creative sectors.
The announcement of Bradford as a host follows the recent appointment of Lisa Campbell as the new director of the convention. Campbell, currently ITN’s Director of Corporate Communications, brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including at the Edinburgh International Television Festival. Her leadership signals a fresh perspective for the CCC as it seeks new partnerships beyond its current stakeholders like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and others.
The selection of Bradford as the Creative Cities Convention’s 2025 host highlights the city’s increasing prominence in the creative and cultural landscape.
