Radio 2's head “takes breath” on his first visit to Bradford

A large brass blowout took place last weekend as part of Bradford's ongoing celebration of the British Cultural District.

It started last Friday evening with the BBC Radio 2 Love's Love's Concert at St. George's Hall. It will air on Radio 2 and the BBC will air tonight between 8pm and 10pm.

Radio 2 loves brass concerts (Image: BBC) Radio 2 head Helen Thomas spoke to The Telegraph & Argus about his first visit to Bradford the week.

She said: “Bradford could not have given us a warm welcome.”

Helen added: “I came on Thursday and got on the train on Thursday afternoon.

“I love my curry so I went to curry in the evening. If I'm going to Bradford, I need curry.

“I went to a local restaurant, called Mylahore and I think it had the most delicious biryani I've ever had in my life.

“It was great to see the restaurant jumping. People were queueing up on the street.”

Thank you for my signature, @trafalgar_group #bradfordlive #bradfordcityofculture2025 – @bbcradio2 Team has arrived! #brassbandmonth pic.twitter.com/2ke03ifizh

– Jeremy Vine | Here on Insta & Facebook (@thejeremyvine) April 11, 2025

Friday began when Scott Mills revealed at his breakfast show that a big digital sign on Bradford Live side showed the message “A Up Jeremy! Welcome Home Sexy” in connection with presenter Jeremy Vine.

Vine aired the show live from Cake'ole from noon to 2pm. This includes the Hammonds Brass Band and the Bantam of the Opera Chair.

Jeremy Vine, Chris Kamara and Zoe Ball of Bradford (Image: BBC) But Vine also discussed politics, “were caught up in local issues and all the great celebrations,” according to Helen.

She said: “I felt like it was a show that celebrated Bradford the best.”

Helen added:

“All the staff at Neil and Cake'ole were so welcoming and what a cool cafe feel. All the trinkets, decorations, little kids mannequins.”

Radio 2 head picked his favourite sights during the day at Bradford, including the Ramadan Pavilion, which had been outside the city hall until this week.

Helen said: “In front of this beautiful architecture, it was so impressive and pink that I've never been to Bradford, so I held my breath, but I definitely felt the vibe and energy of the area.”

She added:

“I've come from Hull to begin with. I remember when Hull 2017 came. I am amazed at how the whole city felt as a result of what's going on and what's going on.”

That night was a concert featuring Black Dyke Band and Star Soprano Curly Paoori.

Zoeball at the concert (Image: BBC) Carly Paoli (left) and Marti Perot (Image: BBC) at the concert Helen was surprised by the hall at St. George, the venue.

She said:

“It was a truly special night to hear the music from the Punjabi roots to the Marti Perot to the choir of Bradford Cathedral, and it was really a great night to see Zoeball doing the best thing in front of the Bradford crowd.”

Helen added:

Radio 2 loves BBC Radio 2's brass and can be heard on Sunday, April 20th from 8pm to 10pm. Bradford, Brass and the Beatles have been announced by Tony Blackburn.