The magnificent Victorian buildings in the centre of Bradford attest to a time when the city was the wool capital of Britain, with thriving mills and high rates of employment. One of my late mother in law’s cousins was a latter day mill owner who once lived well on the proceeds of the old industry.

Nowadays, with a population of over half a million, it is Britain’s seventh largest city but one where nearly 50 per cent of its children live in poverty. It was an eye opener to leave The South East bubble and travel north. The Bradford Literary Festival is an attempt to inject culture and debate into a city crying out for investment and opportunities. Good luck.