The sun shone on Girlington for its annual parade on 10 June with thousands of people taking to the streets to celebrate reading for the second year running with children dressing up as their favourite book characters.
Disney princesses mingled with superheroes for the procession which was made up of children from Whetley, St Philip’s and Girlington Primary Schools and St Edmund’s Nursery and Children’s Centre.
Free books were given out to many of the youngsters attending by the Bradford Literacy Campaign, and the day will be captured in a special parade book which will record the experience of parents, children and teachers through pictures and comments.
Daniel Walker, assistant head at Girlington Primary School, said:
“We chose reading to be the focus after last year’s success. It is essential to have good links between educational settings and the home to develop reading.Council officers, The National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford, local schools, the children’s centre and community leaders have worked together to promote reading for enjoyment and purpose."
Imran Hafeez, manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford said:
“The Girlington Parade is a fantastic, symbolic local event. I’m really pleased that reading is the theme again this year as it shows how important sharing stories and reading for enjoyment is in Girlington.”
Girlington’s head teachers and teachers were the driving force behind the parade, and they worked with the support of Bradford West Office.