Children and teenagers who are carers for family members will be able to let down their hair and take part in Bradford International Festival's spectacular carnival parade at the weekend.

Youngsters from Bradford Young Carers at Barnardo's on Queens Road will be donning heart-themed costumes and holding up heart-shaped banners as part of the procession, which has a 'love' theme this year.

Returning to its traditional festival route from the city centre to Lister Park via Centenary Square, the parade will feature such romantic figures as Cupid and Romeo and Juliet.

Bradford Young Carers provides support for young people aged between five and 18 who are caring for relatives.

"There are a variety of caring responsibilities. It may be a parent with a physical disability or a mental health problem, or a sibling with autism," said spokeswoman Lynne Leathley.

"We provide a break for these young people so they can act like children."

The youngsters will join more than 750 people from schools and community groups across the district in the carnival. Organisers have been working with many of the participants on creating flamboyant costumes, masks and icons based on the idea of love in different cultures.

The civic event, led by giant animated puppets and Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Allan Hillary, has been masterminded by artistic director Graeme Gilmour who worked on last year's opening festival act, Sticky, which went on to star in the spectacular new year celebrations in Sydney, Australia. The carnival is the culmination of an eight-week education and community programme led by Graeme and his team.

What's on tomorrow

This year's Bradford International Festival will be launched tomorrow with a spectacular visual theatre animation using giant illuminated puppets and fireworks to a specially-written soundtrack.

The event - called Gardens of Delight by External Combustion - will take place at Bradford's Exchange Court, between Cineworld and the Victoria Hotel, from 10.30pm to 11pm.

Also running tomorrow, as part of the Festival, is Carla Roso Opera Company's production of The Mikado at The Alhambra.

The Mikado runs at 2pm and 7.30pm tomorrow. Prepare to be whisked away to the charming Japanese world of The Mikado, with this witty production featuring the original 1885 antique costumes, seen in Mike Leigh's Oscar-winning film Topsy Turvy.

For tickets ring (01274) 432000.