Bradford townies turn city slickers for a day (From Wiltshire Times)

Bradford townies turn city slickers for a day

8:00pm Friday 27th January 2012 in News

Local personalities Lewis Moody, Bath’s former England rugby captain, and TV presenter Roger Cook join mayor Peter Leach as Jonathan Hewat is made Bradford “city mayor” at The Castle

Bradford on Avon became an unofficial city for a day and played host to a national radio show on 5 Live on Tuesday.

Around 100 people attended the live broadcast of presenter Tony Livesey’s show which took place between 10.30pm and 1am at the Wiltshire Music Centre.

It was the town’s prize for winning the 5 Live City of 2012 competition last week beating off shortlisted rivals Bungay and Whitby by taking 36.68 per cent of the public text vote.

Mr Livesey said: “It has been a brilliant show and I’ve really enjoyed discovering Bradford on Avon. I think a huge thank you should go to all the local people who came down to the show, it was a fantastic atmosphere and we had a real cross section of people which really helped the show tick.

“The idea of the competition is to celebrate the places which make Britain great and all in all I think we’ve found a marvellous winner. Bradford on Avon is a gorgeous place and its people have been so enthusiastic towards the contest.”

During the show, Mr Livesey presented the 5 Live City of 2012 trophy to the man who nominated the town for the competition, Jonathan Hewat, of Wine Street.

Mr Hewat, who became mayor for the day, said: “It has been a fantastic couple of days. I imagine this accolade will help put Bradford on Avon on the map in a big way, as many, many people listen to 5 Live nationally and across the world, so they’re sure to take an interest in the town.”

Official mayor Peter Leach, who surrendered his position for a day to Mr Hewat at a celebration event held at The Castle Inn on Monday, paid tribute to all the town’s residents who helped it win.

He said: “Winning this competition just goes to show how much everyone pulls together. I think this honour has been wonderful for us and I’m so proud that everybody’s hard work has come to fruition. I think great praise needs to go to residents, businesses, the tourist information centre, the chamber of commerce and the town council for supporting the campaign and of course to Jonathan for nominating us.”

During Mr Livesey’s show, which featured members of the local community taking part in debates and musical performances, guests suggested winning the competition would boost tourism.

Tourist centre manager Nicky Brownrigg said: “It has been a brilliant start to 2012, a year which will see the Olympic Torch coming through the town and the publicity which Bradford on Avon has received will not only benefit the town and its businesses, but also the region as a whole.”