Gorgeous weather and at least 2,500 people greeted performers who kicked off Keighley Festival.

Children and adults from several groups took part in the biggest-ever opening ceremony.

They danced and sang their way through more than five hours of free entertainment in the Town Hall Square on Saturday.

The biggest crowd was reserved for young dancers from the Hi-Energy, Supersonic, Cheeky Chops and Karisma groups.

Festival chairman Peter Halliwell said: "It was brilliant. There was a fantastic atmosphere. The applause was tremendous."

Also performing were Oakworth Mixed Morris, Rockin' Little Angels, Best Kept Secret, Dansette ceilidh band, Jens Hislop's Bavarian Oompah Band and Braithwaite School students.

Stalls were manned by organisations including the St John Ambulance, SureStart, Cavendish Clinic and Airedale Church.

Mr Halliwell said the big festival events of last Sunday, such as the SportKarnival and vintage vehicle rally, appeared to be successful.

But he added that the various organisers may work together next year so events do not clash, affecting attendances.

A walk for health, arranged for last Sunday, had to be cancelled because nobody turned up.

Coming up tonight is a swing, jive and line dancing concert, in Victoria Hall, and a model car racing Grand Prix, in Haworth.

Tomorrow sees a children's afternoon in Cliffe Castle Park, a Keighley Amateurs concert in Victoria Hall, and a five-a-side football tournament at the Leisure Centre.

On Sunday there are two Asian cultural events, a Naat Khawani Mehfil in the Muslim Community Centre, Emily Street, and a Pothohari Sheir in the Central Hall, Alice Street.

Details are available by telephoning Keighley Information Centre on 01535 618014.