The leaders behind one of the most ambitious cultural regeneration projects in recent British history have been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours, with two of the organisers of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture awarded MBEs for services to culture.

Shanaz Gulzar, the creative director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, and Dan Bates, its executive director, have been honoured for their role in reshaping the cultural and civic life of one of England’s youngest and most diverse cities.

The awards mark a significant moment for Bradford, whose year as UK City of Culture has drawn millions of visitors, mobilised tens of thousands of residents and helped overturn long-standing national narratives about post-industrial towns in the north of England.

Gulzar, an acclaimed artist, producer and broadcaster, led the creation of a programme that placed Bradford’s communities at its centre, while connecting local stories to national and international audiences. Working across film, visual arts, theatre and public space, she steered a year-long programme rooted in the district’s heritage, creativity and global connections.

Previously a producer at Manchester International Festival, Gulzar is also known to television audiences through BBC programmes including Yorkshire Walks and the documentary Hidden Histories: The Lost Portraits of Bradford. Her work on Bradford 2025, however, has been widely seen as career-defining.

She said:“This honour isn’t just for me. It reflects the work of all my remarkable colleagues. The people of our city and district have completely owned this year, which has been a privilege and a delight to witness. I am grateful and humbled by this recognition.”

Bates returned to West Yorkshire in 2022 to lead Bradford Culture Company at a pivotal moment, overseeing the organisation’s operations alongside major capital projects, skills and training initiatives, and one of the largest cultural volunteering programmes seen in the UK. His partnership with Gulzar proved central to translating artistic ambition into large-scale delivery.

Before Bradford, Bates spent 13 years as chief executive of Sheffield Theatres, where he led the organisation to national and international acclaim, including four consecutive years as the UK’s Regional Theatre of the Year.

During his tenure, Sheffield premiered productions such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Life of Pi and Standing at the Sky’s Edge, all of which went on to major national and international success. In 2022, he was ranked among the most influential figures in British theatre.

Bates said: “I am thrilled and humbled. Working on Bradford 2025 has been a huge privilege and a career highlight. This incredible year belongs to our brilliant team and to the people of Bradford, who welcomed the designation with open arms.”

Delivered by Bradford Culture Company Limited, the year-long celebration has reached every corner of the district, from city centre venues to towns, villages and green spaces. Early estimates suggest more than 3 million people attended over 5,000 events, with audiences drawn from all 30 wards of Bradford and from across the UK and beyond.

Residents were not just spectators. More than 87,000 people actively participated in events, supported by over 2,700 volunteers. Local feedback indicates improvements in wellbeing, increased civic pride and stronger connections between communities.

The programme also delivered lasting structural change. Bradford 2025 invested in 30 cultural organisations, supported more than 650 local artists and creative groups, and provided training opportunities for 5,500 people. 

Young people were central to the strategy, with apprenticeships, young creative schemes, engagement across 160 schools and the establishment of a Youth Board designed to open pathways into creative careers.

Economically, the impact has been equally significant. The designation is forecast to attract 15.5 million visitors and generate an additional £136.9m in visitor spend, contributing to up to £389m in overall economic growth for the district. Tourism, city centre footfall and overnight stays have all risen, alongside increased inward investment.

While the official year concludes in 2025, the work will continue. Bradford Culture Company will operate beyond the designation, in partnership with Bradford Council, to sustain cultural growth and build on what many now describe as a turning point for the city. 

A full economic and social impact report is due at the end of 2026.