Bradford has an abundance of heritage and culture, enviable countryside and countless places to explore.
It is a district with a rich mix of cultures and languages and a place known across the world for its literary connections and culinary delights.
There's nowhere like Bradford.
But those who don't know the area will happily spout off and offer half-baked opinions on our proud city.
So we've compiled a list of things you'd be advised not to say to Bradfordians. And we have provided some ammunition to fire back if it's ever needed.
1. Yes I've heard of Bradford. Is it near Manchester?
This is the kind of asinine comment you might get from a dopey Southerner. Leave them to their ignorance.
2. Tourism, in Bradford? Are you sure?
Yes, very sure. Tens of thousands of visitors a year. Haven't you heard of Hockney, the Brontes, Ilkley Moor, Haworth, Saltaire, City of Film, Curry Capital, Little Germany, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Bradford City FC...?"
3. Ah but name me ONE famous son or daughter of Bradford.
I will name you one for every letter of the alphabet - twice over. There's Frederick Delius, Rodney Bewes, David Hockney, the Brontes, Kiki Dee, JB Priestley and Dynamo. Not to mention Harry Gration and Christa Ackroyd. (for 'Z' it would have to be Zayn Malik, which would be cheating).
4. But isn't it a rubbish night out?
It depends who you are with, obviously, but there are some top-notch traditional pubs serving proper beer alongside trendier cafe-style bars on North Parade. If you take in a show at the Alhambra, you won't be fleeced by West End prices and you'll have change for a meal at a restaurant. Yes, we have restaurants.
5. But isn't Bradford one big concrete jungle?
You really don't get out much, do you?
As well as an incredible number of listed buildings, Bradford district has HUGE expanses of open countryside, picturesque valleys, rural villages and some impressive parks and woods. Why not take a walk around Haworth, Ilkley, Saltaire, Queensbury, Denholme, Shipley, Wilsden, Bingley, or Cullingworth? If you love architecture, try Little Germany.
6. So how much is car insurance?
Ah, you got me there. It's true that Bradford is one of the most expensive places in the UK to insure a car. But it's still not as pricey as insuring a car in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Luton or Blackburn, so there's that.
7. And isn't crime rife in Bradford?
You've been watching Police Interceptors, haven't you? Yes, violent crime was said to be rising but the most recent figures suggest West Yorkshire Police has had some success in reducing crime. And more cops are being recruited as we speak.
8. What about all those dark Satanic Mills?
We just call them mills around here. And the wealth they created made Bradford the richest city in Yorkshire with a truly global reach. Lister's Mill at Manningham was once the largest silk factory in the world, employing 10,000 men, women and children. The silk makers have gone but the mills are now apartments and home to successful businesses.
9. But you don't actually make anything these days, do you?
Well there's crisps made by Seabrook, sexy thermals made by Damart, cards made by Hallmark, curries by Mumtaz, and catalogues from Grattan. And then there's Yorkshire Water, BASF, Morrisons and Provident Financial, to name just a few.
10. Do you still wear cloth caps and hobnail boots?
Yes, and we were rocking the Peaky Blinders look long before it became fashionable.
11. Whippets too?
Of course. Another essential accessory for any self-respecting Yorkshireman or woman. Along with sarcasm and tight fists.
