The population of Bradford is 534,300 as of June 2017. While the number of new residents has slowed in recent years, it has increased slightly. In fact, the number of births in Bradford has outpaced the number of deaths. This is partly due to the slow rate of immigration, but also to the number of people leaving the city. The city is also a UNESCO City of Film.
While the city's early history is centered on textiles, the city expanded into different industries during the Industrial Revolution. Iron production became its primary source of income and Bradford became the wool capital of the world. Later, it became a center for automobile manufacturing, which led to many industries and a rise in population. The town was also home to Samuel Lister, a capitalist and worsted spinner.
The debilitating recession and pandemic had an impact on the world's economy. Although hourly wages at fast food joints were up fourteen percent last year, people were quitting jobs at record rates. In Bradford, a factory that manufactured the iconic lighters now ships them worldwide. But the economic climate is changing rapidly and Bradford is undergoing a drastic decline in manufacturing jobs. This has left many service workers and low-wage workers feeling out of luck and power.
In the heart of the city, Bradford is home to the Bradford Mela, a festival where different communities from the region gather to celebrate their heritage and share cultures. The festival takes place in the city's park and includes markets, funfairs, food, and arts and workshops. The Bradford Mela has been held every year since March 2012.