Festival a 'chance to shine' for 'curry mile'

The first ever Leeds Road Festival will showcase food, fashion and culture.

Bradford's "curry mile" is set to take centre stage this weekend at the first-ever Leeds Road Festival.

The two-day event will showcase, fashion, culture, cuisine and community spirit in what organisers say is one of the city's most vibrant but often misrepresented areas.

Launching later with a gala dinner, the festival promises a programme of music, art, food and craft stalls, with performances across Saturday and Sunday.

Saleem Akhtar, co-organiser, said: "It's the best area of Bradford – full of character, history and culture."

Several artists are flying in from overseas to perform at the festival

For Mr Akhtar, owner of Jinnah Restaurants, the event is the realisation of a lifelong dream to see Leeds Road celebrated for its diversity and energy.

"I came to Leeds Road in 1979 and have spent most of my life here," he said.

"From a business perspective, it has the strongest business community in the whole of the city. You can find everything here – food, culture, and faith."

A major highlight of the weekend will be a performance by legendary Pakistani folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi on Sunday.

Food will also be at the heart of much of the activity.

Asked how the Leeds Road area compared with Manchester's famed "curry mile", Mr Akhtar said: "It's better than the curry mile.

"Bradford has been the curry capital for as long as I can remember. When it comes to food, Bradford is number one."

He said the festival had been months in the making.

"We've got the younger generation and the older generation, and communities from all backgrounds - African, Somali, Gambian, Polish, Romanian, Czech, and many more," he said.

"Everyone has come together to make this happen. It's a true reflection of Bradford's spirit."

Saleem Akhtar, owner of Bradford's Jinnah restaurant, is keen to celebrate an area he has lived and worked in for almost 50 years

The organisers say the event is already attracting national and international attention.

"We've had people calling from all over the country – from Middlesbrough, Scotland, Birmingham – saying they're coming," Mr Akhtar said.

"Performers are flying in from Pakistan, including legendary artists people here can't wait to see. This is about local pride, but also about celebrating the global reach of our community.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate Leeds Road and Bradford being UK City of Culture 2025, and everyone is very excited."

The festival is backed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, arts and culture organisation The Leap, housing association Incommunities, and charities including Muslim Aid, which is using the weekend to showcase its new youth programme Step In.

Susan Godbold, head of customer voice at Incommunities, said: "Leeds Road is one of the most vibrant streets in Bradford. This festival allows the area to shine and really celebrate the community and culture through everyone getting together and enjoying fantastic food, music and entertainment."

Thousands are expected to visit the area over the weekend, with around 40 stalls spread across Leeds Road itself, as well as Attock Park and Bradford Moor Park.

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