Bradford was announced as the next UK City of Culture in 2022.
County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham had all also been shortlisted.
Those behind the city’s bid believe it will generate £700m and create 3,000 jobs.
Earlier this year, former One Direction star Zayn Malik was revealed as the ambassador for the city’s year in the limelight.
The 31-year-old singer is originally from the suburb of West Bowling – although he now spends much of his time in the US.
“I’ve travelled all over the world but my roots and family remain in Bradford,” Malik said in a statement.
“Now we can celebrate this great city and the people who live and work here with the rest of the world.”
Bradford is also the birthplace of writers JB Priestley and Andrea Dunbar, while Haworth, the home of the Brontes, is in the district.
Bradford is one of the youngest cities in the UK, with over a quarter of the population under the age of 20. It also has one of the most diverse communities in the UK.
A UK City of Culture is chosen every four years and has previously been awarded to Derry (2013), Hull (2017) and Coventry (2021).
