A roadshow will be touring the district from next week to collect people's ideas for Bradford's bid to be European Capital of Culture.

Ideas which have already been pouring in will be on display and people will be able to find out more about what the bid involves, and submit their own views. Bradford is bidding against other British cities to become culture capital 2008 and people across the district are being given the chance to help shape its bid by putting forward ideas for the events or schemes they would like during its reigning year.

Since the Telegraph & Argus teamed up with Bradford Council to launch a massive public consultation earlier this year, ideas have been coming in from organisations, businesses and individuals.

Ideas have included the setting up a heritage centre; re-opening the old Bradford Canal, with a waterbus to city centre tourist attractions; art, drama and music workshops; an amusement area for children; and a festival of Asian and multicultural arts.

Another idea was to paint ugly buildings in soft lilacs and yellow, and use coloured floodlights to enhance the architecture.

The roadshow will include a mobile display stand featuring some of the ideas and information about the bid.

The aim is to get people involved before the bid is drawn up by the Council's consultants Deloitte and Touche this summer. A draft concept statement has been drawn up, providing an early focus for the bid, but people are being urged to comment before it is finalised.

Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton said: "The roadshows demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that people throughout the Bradford district have a real chance of contributing to the Capital of Culture bid.

"I am looking forward to seeing some more ideas from the public and how they will be developed as part of our bid."

If Bradford wins it will be given priority for European Union funding and lottery money for long-term investments.

In its bid the district has to prove it can use the opportunity to bring long-lasting benefits to the city, such as transforming buildings, roads and recreational areas.

e-mail: emma.clayton

@bradford.newsquest.co.uk