Bradford, home to big South Asian Muslim population, named UK City of Culture 2025

The northern English city of Bradford has been named the UK's City of Culture 2025,  crowned the UK's City of Culture 2025, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, announced on Tuesday.

The city, known as Britain's 'Curry Capital', takes on the title from current holder Coventry.

"Congratulations to Bradford, which is a worthy winner of UK City of Culture 2025," Dorries said on the BBC's The One Show.

“Art and culture should be accessible to everyone and this prestigious title will help Bradford deliver unforgettable events for communities on their doorstep."

The announcement was met with roaring celebrations from the city's Centenary Square, where locals and groups involved in the successful bid had gathered.

Once a booming industrial city famed for its textile production, Bradford today is a city of some 542,100 people. According to recent census data, the city has a Muslim population of around 25 percent, largely from the South Asian diaspora.

The new win for the city has raised hopes for economic regeneration and attracting new visitors.

"Winning the title can have a hugely positive impact on the place - attracting millions of pounds of investment, bringing in thousands of visitors and engaging the local community," the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said in a statement.

As the winner, Bradford will receive initial seed funding of £275,000 to prepare for cultural activities in the city.

Runners-up County Durham, Wrexham and Southhampton will each receive £125,000 to realise parts of their bids.