Three of the country's hottest young actors will help launch Bradford's Bite the Mango film festival at a star-studded gala tomorrow.

James McAvoy, star of hit political thriller State of Play and comedy Early Doors, new EastEnders actor Ray Panthaki and West End musical star Preeya Kalidas are all expected to join the festival launch party at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television where their new movie Bollywood Queen will be the main attraction.

The movie, a modern-day Romeo and Juliet set against a musical London background, is one of 17 premieres and special previews taking place during the seven-day festival.

And the festival offers a chance for Bradford audiences to be the first to see what is being tipped as the next hit British movie.

The movie's director, Jeremy Wooding, said he was delighted to be returning to Bite The Mango after showing his short films at the festival in previous years.

He said: "I think it's a unique festival with an atmosphere all of its own so I'm looking forward to coming back now I've got a full-length film under my belt. It's such a good festival because the attitude of the organisers has always been very supportive and enthusiastic.

"I showed Sari and Trainers (the short film on which Bollywood Queen is based) at Bite The Mango in 1999 long before a lot of people had heard of Bollywood or it had become as fashionable as it is now. It's good to be coming back because they were supportive from the start."

Festival director Irfan Ajeeb said Bollywood Queen was an excellent way to kick off the festival which promises to be the biggest and best yet.

Among the highlights to look for are a UK premiere for acclaimed gangster film Triads, Yardies and Onion Bhajees on Saturday, a visit by Bollywood superstar Anil Kapoor on Thursday and the Slices of Mango short film festival.

Irfan said: "I'm really looking forward to it - it's going to be a real spectacle. We are screening a really eclectic mix of films this year which caters for a much broader audience than in previous years.

"We're showing films from 16 countries around the world, the most Bite the Mango has ever done. But the festival also has a strong British feeling.

"Triads, Yardies and Onion Bhajees has been dubbed the British Asian answer to Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and I think it will be another film that breaks a few barriers and stereotypes when it comes out.

"We've got something for all cinema lovers, regardless of what culture, colour or creed you are from."

For more details about the festival visit its website at www.bitethemango.org.uk.