The people who will decide the future of Bradford's Capital of Culture bid flew across the district in spectacular style yesterday to be greeted by a stunning display of the slogan One Landscape, Many Views.

Huge letters making up Bradford's bid slogan were laid out in the grounds of Bradford Grammar School, where a helicopter carrying the Capital of Culture judging panel landed.

The judges' visit was the last in a summer of trips to all 12 British cities bidding for the 2008 title.

Chairman of the panel, Sir Jeremy Isaacs, founder of Channel 4, was in town with five other members of the panel - former Radio 4 presenter Sue Macgregor; writer and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer; concert pianist Barry Douglas; writer and broadcaster Peter Stead, and columnist and former Scottish Arts Council chairman Magnus Linklater.

On arrival at Leeds/Bradford Airport yesterday morning, they boarded the helicopter which took them across the district, showing them its diverse landscape from Ilkley Moor to urban streets.

Then it was time for a tour of the city and as they entered Centenary Square the judges could have been forgiven for thinking that Bradford was a seaside town.

Children played happily on "Bradford Beach", created in the square, while crowds of people sat around in deckchairs enjoying the sunshine. Giant painted sea shells blasted out sounds of the sea, fake palm trees swayed in the breeze, and a brightly coloured boat moored opposite City Hall completed the look, with music coming from a Calypso-style band.

Striking letters and figures spelling Bradford 2008, decorated by district schools, took pride of place, along with the Heliosphere, a huge helium-filled balloon which rises and falls to music.

The judges looked delighted with the "beach" as they walked around it, chatting to some of the children and happily posing for photographs.

They had been greeted at the airport by chief executive of Bradford Council Ian Stewart, and director of Bradford's bid, Paul Brookes, with members of his campaign team.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman, met the judges at Centenary Square before they embarked on a walking city centre tour, taking in the Alhambra, St George's Hall and the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, then on to Cartwright Hall and Saltaire.

They also received a sneak preview of The Hub, a converted space in Tourist Information Centre telling the story of Bradford's bid, with colourful storyboards and screens showing moving images of the district. The Hub is open to the public from today.

The judges will make recommendations to Culture Minister Tessa Jowell on which cities make the Capital of Culture shortlist, to be announced this autumn. Prime Minister Tony Blair will make the final decision next year.

Coun Wightman said he had received a positive feedback from the judges.

"Barry Douglas told me he loved the helicopter ride. He said the purple of Ilkley Moor was wonderful, and he loves stone built houses so he was keen to see the streets from above.

"By coming to Bradford the panel can see what sets our district apart from other competing cities. It is a vibrant place, with character, stunning countryside, and a wonderful mix of people.

"Our job is to persuade the judges to see that giving Bradford the title is a good investment for the north of England and for Britain as a whole."

Director of arts, heritage and leisure, Jane Glaister, said the helicopter trip had "set the pattern, by showing the district's diverse landscape."

She added: "That's important, in terms of our bid.

"We hope they are pleasantly surprised by what's here. The presence of this bid is being felt across the district and it is in Centenary Square where the judges will have felt people's enthusiasm as they enjoy themselves.

"It's great to see so many people in the square wearing the Bradford 2008 badges. People are proud to be here! This bid is about lifting confidence and pride, and working together for shared goals."