Bradford International Festival will be expanded and more local groups brought in to help improve events and stave off criticism.

More bands will play in Centenary Square, children's events will be created for the famous Mela and the Lord Mayor's parade will be expanded.

The developments were highlighted to a new advisory board for the festival which will be chaired by Baroness Lockwood to work alongside Bradford International Festival Company.

The board, made up of representatives of businesses, education and members of the community, was told by organisers at a launch at the Victoria Hotel in Bradford last night that an extensive programme was based on local participation.

The company was criticised for failing to involve the community more after staging last year's festival and many people were disappointed that there was nothing for children at the famous Mela.

The company took over the festival 15 months ago from a small non-profit making enterprise after both competed for the contract.

The programme presented to the board at the Victoria Hotel last night included: an expanded Lord Mayor's carnival parade which organisers said had attracted the involvement of more than 40 schools and community groups; an open house programme supported by many local artists; a major development in the multi-faith programme with gurdwaras, mosques, temples and churches participating throughout the festival; and a street theatre programme featuring new work commissioned from local artistes including Theatre Companies IOU and Mind the Gap.

The board was told that throughout the 11-day festival bands from Bradford and the region would give concerts in Centenary Square.

There are also plans to expand the Mela to include children's programmes and an expanded communities village.

A festival spokesman said: "Bradford International Festival belongs to the people of Bradford. There have never been more opportunities to get involved in it. Whatever your age or occupation, whether you are an artist, student or a community group, there are many chances to participate in the largest free festival in Bradford."

Baroness Lockwood said after the presentation: "I think the plans are very encouraging and they are building on success as well as incorporating new ideas.

"I hope the festival will make a really effective contribution to the cohesion of the whole district and its image."

She said the 30-member board would meet on three more occasions before the festival but working groups would also have sessions.

Baroness Lockwood said the board would discuss the programme and make suggestions about how the community could be kept involved.

It was immensely important for the community at local level but also vital for promoting the district nationally and internationally, said Baroness Lockwood.

The festival organisers can be contacted on (01274) 722272 or e-mailed on info@bethere2003.com. The festival website can be visited on www.bethere2003.com.