Bradford's Capital of Culture bandwagon hit the road at the weekend with a fun day in Keighley town centre.

A range of family events was held to boost public support for the bid, which was submitted to the Government in March and is now being scrutinised by officials at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Four hours of fun on Saturday - in the area between the Airedale Shopping Centre and the bus station - included performances from the Pan African Drummers, dance act MAPA and Dance for Life, a programme promoting health and fitness in the district.

There was also music from Herr Jens' Oompah Band, and appearances by BBC Look North weatherman Paul Hudson and Cougars mascot Freddie.

Children from the Yorkshire School of Performing Arts, Stage 84, performed a "word snake" around the town centre. The youngsters each displayed large letters spelling out "One Landscape, Many Views", Bradford's official Capital of Culture slogan.

And giant letters and figures making up "Bradford 2008", which have been decorated by children across the district, were on show. The letters are touring the district and will be on display at Cliffe Castle throughout the summer.

Keighley town crier Mike Walton was also there to announce details of the bid.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the council's executive member for the environment, said: "Events like this help to build up support for the Capital of Culture bid right across the district. We need to get as many people as possible behind the bid to raise its profile both locally and nationally."