The director of Bradford's Capital of Culture bid has met leading figures from the 11 other cities which competed for the title to discuss plans for a national festival.

Paul Brookes has also met representatives from national agencies including the Arts Council and English Heritage which have agreed in principle to help fund it.

The nationwide festival would unite all 12 cities which submitted bids to be European Capital of Culture 2008. The festival, taking place in 2008, would involve cultural events in each city, with the main focus on the winning city.

Mr Brookes was invited by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), on behalf of all the other bidding cities, to draw up plans. The DCMS will announce whether it intends to go ahead with the ambitious project in April.

Mr Brookes was due to travel to London on Thursday with Bradford Council chief executive Ian Stewart and chairman of Bradford 2008 executive Sir Michael Bichard to discuss the 12 Cities plan with Culture Minister Tessa Jowell. But the meeting was postponed until March 6, due to Ms Jowell's work commitments.

However, Mr Brookes has met representatives from the other cities along with national agencies including the British Tourist Authority, Film Council, Arts Council, Sport England and English Heritage.

"We haven't been discussing specific ideas at this stage but all cities and agencies have agreed in principle to support the proposals," said Mr Brookes.

"We need the support of these national agencies to help with funding.

"We are now drawing up final plans which we will discuss with Ms Jowell next month."

Mr Brookes said tourists would be encouraged to visit other cities as well as the Capital of Culture, creating spin-off benefits in terms of people using hotels, shops and other facilities in all 12 cities.

"While the winning city would deliver a year-long programme of events, the others could deliver a month-long programme - maybe with a different month for each city.