MORE than 1,000 pupils from schools across the district will take part in a packed musical programme in City Park on Friday.

Party in the Park will involve choirs, bands and dancers from primary and secondary schools, and will act as the first major event of Bradford Festival.

The event follows on from last year’s BBC Music Day, during which Bradford was the only Yorkshire city chosen to host one of the school sing along events.

On Friday a Schools’ Programme will run from 11.30am to 3pm, and will be followed by a series of performances open to the wider public.

Among the schools taking part are Dixons Music Primary School, Chellow Heights Special School and St Cuthbert and the First Martyrs’ Catholic School.

There will be an Olympic-themed warm-up, cheerleading display from Trinity All Saints’ School, a mass dance and a performance from the Bradford Youth Orchestra.

Spectators will be able to join in the Big Sing which takes place at 1pm and features a medley of songs including I Got A Feeling, I’m A Believer, Rockstar and Sing.

The public performances begin at 4pm, with highlights including a set by heavy metal group Fail the Enemy, who are students at Shipley College, the BradfordYouth Wind Orchestra, and a collaboration between Bradford Youth Brass Band and award-winning Hammonds Brass Band.

Local band Nervous Orse will headline the event at 8pm.

Tony Johnson, head of Bradford Council’s Music and Arts Service, said: “This is a great opportunity for children to take part in a massed event, and especially this year to be part of the Bradford Festival.

“We hold many events throughout the year in and around City Park and they all attract hundreds of people coming along to give their support.

“This year, as always, we have many children and young people demonstrating their talent and musical skills and we urge as many people as possible to come and join in the fun.”

Councillor Imran Khan, executive for education, employment and skills, said: “This is a huge number of young people who will all come together and provide musical entertainment for the crowds as part of the Bradford Festival.”

Fringe events will also be taking place in the temporary gardens next to City Park.