Hometown visit: Urban Garden

Well, a view from the Urban Garden across to Kala Sangam cultural centre (in what used to be the old Post Office building) and then Bradford Cathedral behind Kala Sangam.

Some interesting facts about Bradford:
- Independent Labour Party was founded in Bradford
- First place to provide free school meals for children
- First public hospital in the country was in Bradford
- Introduced first ever degree in Peace Studies in the 20thc
- First Fair Trade cafe in Britain opened in Bradford
- Internationally famous peace symbol was designed in Bradford
- Curry capital of Great Britain 2011

In Bradford, aka the motherland / my home town, for the Raise Your Banners Festival of Political Song. Bradford is undergoing a LOT of regeneration right now and has been for a good few years, some of which went a bit wrong like the Westfield Development in Forster Square. I don't know the detail but there has been a massive crater there for a few years. There are hoardings around the crater, hiding it from view (it really is gruesome) and right next to it there has been a lovely green Urban Garden developed. I think this was the initiative of local people but I can't be sure. On the night of the 25th (tonight) a free Fire Festival took place to say farewell to the Urban Garden and celebrate the spirit of Bradford, as I understand that development of the site is to recommence in the new year. Shopping centre or urban garden? Hmmm, I think I know which I'd prefer.

A whole bunch of photos of my lovely home town can be found here, and photos of the Fire Festival here.