Pop songs by candlelight wins cathedral award

The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman say many people are surprised when they find the cathedral

Bradford's Anglican cathedral is staging non-religious events in a bid to increase the number of visitors, its dean has said.

Flamenco dancing and pop songs by candlelight are just some of the attractions on offer at the cathedral which is the city's oldest building still in use.

The cathedral was named Leisure Venue of the Year in the city's Retail, Leisure and Hospitality awards for 2024 last weekend, beating competition from two live music venues.

The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford, said the plan was to get as many people as possible to "connect" with the cathedral and to learn about the history of the site as well as to use it for religious reasons.

"It's partly responding to a new vision where we recognise that even though we're the oldest building in Bradford still in use, loads of people don't know we're here," Dean Bowerman said.

"We want to become more visible, we want to become more accessible. We want people to come into the space and surprise themselves.

The award was announced at a glittering ceremony held in the city on Sunday

The cathedral was given its award at a ceremony held at the Broadway Shopping Centre.

Dean Bowerman said they believe they cater for everybody.

"People who want to have a moment of quiet, but also people who just want to come and have a good time.

"So, whether it's Abba by Candlelight or it's a Remembrance Service, a solemn mass, all things are possible here."

Missionaries based in Dewsbury first evangelised the area in the 7th Century.

The first church building was built around 1066 and the foundations for the current cathedral completed in 1458, with extensions added throughout the centuries.

Dean Bowerman added: "We so often hear people say 'oh, I never knew you were here', but what a fantastic space to be able to gather people together in all sorts of ways."

The cathedral is the city's oldest building and the use of the site as a Christian place of worship dates back to the 7th Century

Jonny Noble, chief executive of Bradford BID which represents more than 400 businesses in the city, said the cathedral was a "bit of a hidden gem".

"It was a surprise, but a welcome surprise, when it was announced as the winner."

He said the team at the cathedral had done a lot to reconnect to the city centre and hoped it was recognised as a venue and not just a place of worship.

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