The Bradford International Festival returns to Lister Park this weekend for the first time in five years for a bonanza of music, theatre, comedy and sports events.

Youngsters will be encouraged to try basketball and rugby as part of events organised by Bradford Council's Sport Action Zone team and Bradford Bulls.

And other attractions will include comedy ballroom dancers and a musical combo using recycled junk instruments to entertain the crowds.

Adrian Tolan, of Sport Action Zone, said basketball sessions will be aimed at youngsters aged between eight and 16, with the aim of getting more of them into the sport.

"We're asking people to turn up and take part in coaching sessions. The emphasis will be on fun," he said.

"There'll be two Level 2 coaches taking sessions in special activity areas and there'll be a small three-versus-three competition.

"We want young people to come along and try it out. It doesn't matter whether they do it for ten minutes or all day.

"These informal sessions will kickstart the Basketball Barmy workshops which are taking place in Centenary Square in August. The project was a huge hit last year."

Members of the Council's mobile action sports team will be handing out leaflets around Lister Park over the family fun weekend, along with representatives from Bradford Bulls.

The Bulls fitness challenge is aimed at youngsters aged seven to 11-years-old.

Festival director Robin Morley said: "We're delighted that the festival is returning to Lister Park for the first time in five years. The park has undergone glorious regeneration and we're pleased it's a such a major venue for so many community events.

"This year's festival is very much about community participation. We're proud of the fact that it's in the top three or four festivals in the UK and still remains 75 per cent free to the public."

Other events taking place in the park include a two-man street show featuring comedy and juggling, called Curious Eyebrows, and the Polichinelo Circus De Ramos Acrobats, described as a breathtaking show of Brazilian acrobatic feats and thrills.

Bradford-based South Asian arts group Kala Sangam presents an East meets West fusion music piece featuring Sanju Sahai and Damion Harron, and the Rubbish Heads will see performers throwing litter around then clearing their mess, making a striking comment on our throwaway society.

Mike Hancock is a Hip Hop Cop, comedy rapping to the beat - and on the beat - while Stickleback Plasticus will provide a comedy and dance walkabout.

Other attractions include boating on the lake, a funfair, and craft and food stalls.