A FESTIVAL to mark 200 years since the Brontë family arrived in Bradford opens to the public in Thornton today.

The centrepiece of the event is a new exhibition at St James Church in Thornton Road, with a collection of Brontë artefacts on display for the first time.

The items on show include christening certificates for Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne Brontë, the font in which they were all baptised, and a wash stand and desk used by their minister father, Patrick.

A permanent display of the family's life, with words by former TV presenter and lifelong Brontë fan Christa Ackroyd, will also be housed in the church.

The exhibition tells the story of how in 1815, the family arrived in Thornton and took up residence in the old parsonage on Market Street.

New minister Patrick Brontë was accompanied by his Cornish-born wife Maria, and their two small daughters, Maria and Elizabeth, both born at the family's previous parish at Hartshead.

It was while they were living there that the family's four famous children were born in quick succession, Charlotte in 1816, Branwell in 1817, Emily in 1818, and Anne in 1820.

All four were baptised at their father’s church, the Old Bell Chapel, which now lies in ruins across from the parish church of St James.

Despite Mrs Brontë’s many pregnancies, the family were said to have enjoyed a lively social life, centred on the wealthy Firth family of Kipping House and their circle of friends.

The family moved to Haworth in 1820 upon Patrick Brontë's appointment as perpetual curate at St Michael and All Angels Church.

Mrs Brontë died within 18 months of the family’s arrival there, with the two eldest daughters also dying within a few weeks of each other in 1825.

For the surviving children, Haworth Parsonage and its surrounding moorland were to become central to their creative lives.

It was there they wrote their most famous novels, including Charlotte’s 'Jane Eyre', Emily’s 'Wuthering Heights', and Anne’s 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.'

Patrick Brontë outlived all of his gifted children, dying in 1861 at the age of 84.

Church warden Steven Stanworth said: "When Patrick left the now ruined Old Bell Chapel in 1820, plans were already afoot for a new more impressive church on the land opposite gifted by John Foster of the famous Black Dyke Mills.

"By the time the new church was completed it was always planned that a permanent exhibition to the famous family would go on display.

"Now for the first time, the trustees have their wish.

"The time in Thornton was described by Patrick Brontë as his happiest years, the time when his family was complete, his ministry well-established, and when he had such hope the the future.

"The sadness that followed in Haworth is well documented, but this is an exhibition of joy and hope.

"Patrick's passion was education for all, and we hope schools from Bradford and beyond will bring children to St James' to learn about the famous family and their links with Thornton, so often forgotten by Brontë biographers, as well as all Brontë and Bradford fans.

"We are hoping this first Thornton Brontë festival will be the catalyst for five years of celebrations."

Miss Ackroyd added: "As a Bradfordian I am proud to reaffirm the Brontë's association with Thornton.

"This exhibition is now a lasting memorial to it's most famous residents, whose words and deeds in praise of equality of class, race, and gender still resonate today.

"The Thornton days were Patrick's happiest time.

"To be able to help in bringing together some never-seen-before documents and artefacts to celebrate his time here is both inspiring and humbling.

"I am proud to share in his legacy and that of his incredible daughters."

As part of the festival, which runs until Sunday, Miss Ackroyd will give a talk on Patrick Brontë entitled 'Father of Genius' at St James' Church on Saturday night.

Other events over the four days include film screenings of 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights', a performance by the Clifton and Lightcliffe Brass Band, arts and craft activities, and family fun days.

For more details and a full festival programme, visit www.james4u.org.

Meanwhile, Dutch author Jolien Janzing will introduce her new novel 'Charlotte Brontë's Secret Love' at the Brontë Society's Literary Luncheon on October 3.

The book, which is published on October 1, is said to be based on true events of a forgotten chapter in Charlotte’s life detailing her secret love affair with the man who would inspire her to write 'The Professor', 'Villette', and 'Jane Eyre'.

The event takes place in The Brontë Room at Hollins Hall Marriott Hotel and Country Club in Baildon. For further information, visit bronte.org.uk.