Bradford is the UK's City of Culture this year and aims to start it's 12-month role as cultural capital with a bang! Stay with us through the afternoon and into the evening to find out more about what's happening over the next year - and the opening event later on.

As Bradford’s huge celebration of arts and community engagement begins, Euronews Culture talked to creative director Shanaz Gulzar about what it means for the city. View on euronews

The leader of the Conservatives on Bradford Council has said it is "exceedingly disappointing" that Bradford Live is not open in time for the start of City of Culture.

Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar on the build up to the big night. (Image: Tim Smith)