Anita Rani, Kimberly Walsh and Jonny Bairstow are supporting a search for the voice of Bradford in its UK City of Culture year.
People are being asked to record a 45second demo describing what the city means to them and why it’s such a special place.
As 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford will put on 1,000 new performances and events including 365 artist commissions, a series of major arts festivals as well as exciting national and international collaborations.
BBC Radio Leeds will lead the radio coverage and handpick the New Voices Bradford winner or winners who will join the team to help report on the year.
“Bradford is a vibrant city full of energy, personality and talent. Now is the time for that talent to find its voice and forge new paths in what is going to be such a transformative year, as we head towards the UK city of culture 2025,” said Anita Rani, who will be a head judge.
“This talent search is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves the city to join the BBC and celebrate everything it has to offer. I encourage everyone to send in their audition videos, as you can be right at the heart of the BBC’s coverage. Bradford 2025, UK City of Culture gives us the chance to shine a light on the city and tell the stories which matter to us. These opportunities don’t come around too often, so now’s your chance to make a difference and represent the place I call home.”
BBC Radio Leeds breakfast presenter Rima Ahmed, another judge, won a New Voices talent search in 2019 and now presents the station’s flagship show and said:
“I’m so excited to be on the panel for New Voices Bradford – what an honour. I know Bradford is a city brimming with talent just waiting to be unleashed and I can’t wait to witness the magic… Bring it on, Bradford!”
The search launches on 11 March and will be open for four weeks before the shortlisted finalists are invited to a finale at Sunbridgewells on 28 April.
“I’m delighted that BBC New Voices is coming to Bradford, just one of the many things as a result of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture,” said Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025.
“This really is a brilliant opportunity for those interested in, and with a passion for presenting.
“Bradford is full of talent, and we want to see people from all corners of our district submit applications. We’re looking for people who are full of energy and personality – which is what being from Bradford is all about.”
