East Riddlesden Hall, the National Trust's 17th century mansion, is a hive of activity.

Gardener Jill Saunders and her helpers have been digging away to get the grounds ready for the new season.

The Jacobean mansion is preparing to join in the Keighley Day celebrations from Saturday, March 15.

The hall is to open a fortnight earlier than normal so that it can take part in the five-day festivities, which will culminate on Keighley Day, March 19 -- chosen to mark Keighley Town Council's foundation a year ago.

East Riddlesden Hall's Liz Houseman said: "We think it's very important to be part of the celebration and show people what we can offer at the hall.

"We are reducing the entrance price for adults to £2 -- normally £3.60 -- and children are free."

Visitors will get a tour of the building led by guides dressed in period costume.

Keighley will be a blaze of colour and activity during the festivities, which will be held at various locations throughout the town.

A spokesman for Keighley Town Council, the organisers, said the theme of the event was to celebrate who and what makes the essence of Keighley.

"As the communities have become polarised, we do not always recognise the strengths and expertise within communities," he said.

"Keighley Day is an attempt to rectify this and have fun at the same time."

The opening day will see events in Low Street -- like Morris dancing, a performance of majorettes, belly dancers and Keighley Scout Band.

In Town Hall Square there will be a performance by theatre groups Keighley Amateurs and HYT, a Bavarian oompah band and later a procession of light.

Lund Park will see a children's fair and fancy dress competition, and Lund Park Community Group has set up a nature trail, fun run and balloon release.

There are a host of other events throughout the town, including at Keighley Shared Church a display of the town's original register of weddings, baptisms and funerals, and a letter from John Wesley.

The Shah Jala Mosque -- a former Wesleyan Chapel -- will be open to the public along with St Anne's Roman Catholic Church.