A Bradford team is working with Liverpool, named European Capital of Culture 2008, on planning a festival uniting all the cities that put in bids for the title.

Merseyside was announced as Capital of Culture by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, beating favourites Newcastle/Gateshead.

Liverpool can expect up to 1.5 million more visitors and the "12 Cities Festival" will encourage tourists to visit the other bidding cities too.

The festival will focus on Liverpool, but with cultural events in all 12 cities.

Oscar-winning film director Lord Puttnam, who chaired Bradford's Capital of Culture bid, is backing the project and will be in talks with Liverpool culture chiefs about his role. Earlier this year director of Bradford's bid Paul Brookes was contracted by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to plan a nationwide festival.

That contract is now coming to an end and next month Mr Brookes will find out if it is being taken forward when he attends a meeting of the 12 Cities Partnership in Liverpool.

"We'll be discussing a programme of cultural celebrations building up to and including 2008. The discussion will focus on how we can work together with Liverpool," he said. "For now, we must let cities like Newcastle - who are extremely disappointed - take stock.

"This festival gives the cities a common focus. They have a wide geographical spread, right across the UK, offering different experiences.

"We're saying to people: 'Yes, come and visit Europe's Capital of Culture - but also take the time to visit these other great cities.' "

The 12 cities are holding regular meetings - the next is in Liverpool and Bradford will host one later this year. In the autumn the DCMS will announce the format of the festival.

Mr Brookes has met Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and representatives from the other cities to discuss the plans.

Bradford Council is pressing ahead with projects outlined in the culture bid, under the One Landscape, Many Views campaign which will see a combination of summer events leading up to 2008.

Other events include Centenary Square attractions like "Basketball Barmy"; major road improvements and innovative lighting, making gateways to the district more attractive; and restoring Roberts Park in Saltaire.