Apart from the usual attractions, there are additional good reasons for people to come into the centre of Bradford this coming weekend.

Tomorrow evening sees singer Talvin Singh appearing in Centenary Square at a free event. Channel 4 is setting up its pitch for its Ashes event in the same square, with a giant television screen, coaching sessions for local youngsters, and beach cricket.

There is fun to be had in the heart of Bradford for those prepared to make the trip into town. These two special treats should give a welcome boost to a city centre which has suffered from reduced numbers of shoppers and other visitors since the riots of July 7.

Although the tension now seems to have faded, some people are still fearful of venturing into central Bradford. They need to be reassured. One way of doing that is to increase the number of families coming into the city.

To that end, First Bradford is to be commended for introducing its scheme under which two children can travel free so long as they are accompanied by a fare-paying adult using a DayRider ticket. It is a tempting bargain.

It is to be hoped that plenty of families decide to take advantage of it. Not only should it encourage more people to use the buses and perhaps leave their cars at home, but it will bring much-needed trade back to Bradford's shops and other businesses and, hopefully, will change the perception that the city centre is not a safe place to be.