A striking new train design celebrating Bradford’s status as UK City of Culture 2025 has been unveiled by Northern – showcasing the district’s rich creative heritage and cultural landmarks.
The Class 331 train, named The Bradfordian, features vibrant artwork depicting some of Bradford’s most iconic locations – including City Hall, Cartwright Hall, Alhambra Theatre, and a statue of local literary legend J.B. Priestley. The artwork also honours three of the region’s most celebrated creatives – the Brontë sisters, who spent their formative years in Haworth.
The eye-catching design was officially revealed at Bradford Forster Square station on Thursday 27 March, during a special ceremony attended by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council.
Kerry Peters, Regional Director for Northern in Yorkshire, said:
“The City of Culture celebrations are already putting Bradford on the map and making a real difference to local people by boosting a sense of pride.
That’s why Northern is committed to promoting these fantastic events, supporting the organisers and providing a warm welcome to everyone who visits the district.
We hope that passengers who see this artwork will take a moment to reflect on Bradford’s unique history – and then look ahead to find an event they can attend later this year.”
As it travels across West Yorkshire, The Bradfordian will serve as a moving tribute to the area’s cultural achievements – while transporting visitors to the many theatre performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, live music and dance events taking place throughout the year.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 is inspiring creative talent from across the city and beyond, attracting more visitors and investment to the region, and driving jobs and growth in our economy.
The vibrant artwork on this train is a fitting tribute to Bradford and our region’s thriving creative industries.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe added:
“The unique cultural heritage of the Bradford district is being showcased throughout our year as UK City of Culture – and having it depicted on a train which travels throughout the district and beyond gives us a great platform to celebrate this.”
Bradford Forster Square, used by 1.9 million passengers annually, is managed by Northern and recently featured in the BBC’s new Bradford-based crime drama Virdee, adapted from novels by local author A.A. Dhand.
Northern is the second-largest train operator in the UK, running 2,500 services a day to over 500 stations across the North of England.
