Description
Embark on a captivating journey with Professor Christopher Gaffney as he unveils the fascinating history of Bradford’s most monumental event, The Bradford Exhibition. In 1904, Lister Park bore witness to the grandeur of the largest festival ever held in Bradford, drawing an astounding 2.5 million visitors over its duration from May to October.
At the heart of this spectacle stood the Industrial Hall, a magnificent structure celebrating the city’s industrial prowess, now lost to time.
Amidst the vibrant festivities, adorned with brass bands, exhilarating fair rides, including a gravity railway and crystal maze, and educational stalls, the park buzzed with a carnival spirit.
Join us as we delve into this extraordinary exhibition, piecing it together through archival treasures, vintage postcards, geophysical surveys and excavations.
Reflection Session
After the talk, join us for an optional reminiscence session, which offers a unique opportunity to share and celebrate your personal memories related to Bradford’s storied past. Whether it’s tales from your own experiences or stories passed down through generations, your contributions enrich our collective history.
So, we invite you to come share your stories and be part of Bradford’s living history.
About the Academic
Christopher Gaffney
Chris Gaffney is a Professor of Archaeological Sciences at the University of Bradford, where he is Co-Director of Visualising Heritage. Using geophysical techniques, he has researched on World Heritage Sites at Stonehenge, Diocletian’s Palace, Split (Croatia) and at Fountains Abbey, UK. Additionally, he participates in projects directed at broader cultural issues such as Curious Travellers, which uses web-scraping technologies to reconstruct heritage under threat. His interest in topophilia provides a platform to investigate iconic local buildings and events, such as the 1904 Bradford Exhibition.
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