THOUSANDS are set to attend a Bradford district festival over the next two weekends.

The annual Saltaire Festival kicks off for a 21st year in Roberts Park and many of the streets in and around the World Heritage Site village today (Saturday, September 14).

And its chairman feels this opening weekend will be "bigger than ever" with a vast array of events planned.

"We are still going strong after 21 years," Ian Andrews-Swailes, Saltaire Festival chair, told the Telegraph & Argus.

"This year, we have got an even more packed out programme than ever before because we have extended that first weekend.

Live acts will begin performing on Roberts Park's bandstand from around midday today.

The lineup includes the Peace Dance Academy, Simon Walker, and Bethany Gibson.

Then on Sunday you can expect to see performers such as Da Capo and Rattlesnake Blues.

As well as numerous food stalls, other events include donkey rides, superheroes on site, and art exhibitions.

Mr Andrews-Swailes said: "We have really tried to push out that first weekend. It is family-friendly and diverse so it is for everyone.

"Before it (the festival) was always known for the second weekend but the first one now is getting as strong.

"Because of that we have got a ripple effect of events wanting to take place.

"Especially with the City of Culture next year, this programme is a template for that really."

He added: "The first weekend is absolutely packed out. We have used every single shelter in the park this year to put on different acts.

"We have got more traders on that first weekend than ever before. We have really gone to town on it.

"Last year, we got an estimated 80,000 (across both weekends). The first weekend is usually 16,000 then the second weekend is bigger.

"We have got a lot of optimism for this first weekend attracting more, hopefully to the 20,000 mark."

The festival remains free once again and Mr Andrews-Swailes wanted to give a final message for those thinking of visiting.

He said: "No matter what you or your child likes, there is going to be something for everyone.

"It is a phenomenal accomplishment that we manage to keep making this free. I have always said as long as I am chair we will keep it free.

"It is free for all to attend and that is the beauty of Saltaire Festival."