People flocked to the Ilkley Family Takeover day on Saturday where a huge puppet in the shape of the Ilkley’s legendry giant Rombald delighted the crowds.
The event in Ilkley was part of Bradford Council’s successful Spring Back 2022 campaign to encourage people to rediscover their local high streets.
Ilkley Family Takeover day (Saturday 26 March) saw the streets across the town centre abuzz with family friendly activities and performances including sword fighting demonstrations, comedy waiters and a DJ party set by local learning disability-led collective, The Party People Project. A team of artists led by Pete Olding also created colourful temporary artworks live on the streets. As the evening came to a close, a huge magical lantern puppet in the shape of the Ilkley’s legendry giant Rombald delighted the crowds.
Bradford Council’s Spring Back 2022 events have been created in partnership with local artists, event organisers and businesses to encourage people to rediscover the district’s town and neighbourhood high streets. The Keighley K-Town Shopper and Spring into Wibsey events were also held at the weekend.
A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “The Spring Back 2022 campaign has been a great success with crowds of people flocking to the events that we have held. It’s been a real joy to see people coming back to the district’s town and neighbourhood high streets and embracing the spirit of the events that we’ve put on. The district is bidding to be City of Culture for 2025 and the creativity of local artists and residents that has been on display at all of these events is a real testament to the culture of our district.”
Spring Back 2022 has been made possible thanks to the Welcome Back Fund, which is funding from the England European Regional Development Fund.
Information about Bradford Council’s Spring Back campaign can be found at www.visitbradford.com/springback2022.aspx
The Bradford district is currently one of four shortlisted places in the running to be the next UK City of Culture 2025. To find out more about the Bradford 2025 bid visit www.bradford2025.co.uk or follow @Bradford2025 and #Bradford2025 on social media.