Bradford will find itself in the spotlight at the grand finale of a year-long cultural festival.

City Hall in Centenary Square will be lit up by a colourful artistic projection on Light Night - the dazzling end to Yorkshire's Illuminate festival.

But David Wilson, the interim director of Illuminate, said that in many ways Light Night on Friday, October 6, represented new beginnings.

He said the evening would celebrate the work and achievements of the five Yorkshire cities involved in the scheme.

Illuminate - which has been celebrated in Bradford, Sheffield, Hull, Leeds and York - was supported by the Millennium Commission under the Arts Council of England. In Bradford, the Council and Bradford Centre Regeneration also backed the project.

It was set up after Liverpool claimed the City of Culture bid for 2008, a title which Bradford had also bid for.

As a result the county was handed £4 million to build on the work started during the City of Culture submision.

And Illuminate - a 12-month festival also known as the Regional Cultural Programme - was the fruit of Yorkshire's labour.

Over the past year groups across the district have celebrated the rich culture and history of the district with backing from Illuminate.

Visitors from far and wide have admired the talents of some of the district's finest exports.

David Hockney's exhibition at Cartwright Hall, a celebration of the Brontes by poet Joolz Denby and the music of Delius performed by Tasmin Little have all been part of the festival.

And performances by theatre group Mind the Gap, whose actors have learning disabilities, also wowed the crowds in all five cities.

Mr Wilson said Light Night would act as a round-up of the year's events, but was in no way a winding down of the relationships built or achievements made. He said: "It's a great example of how we are celebrating with renowned artists from around the world and who want to be here.

"We are on the world stage."

The illuminations at City Hall will be the focal point of Light Night.

French artist Patrice Warrener will set up projectors to splash the historical building in a bright array of colours.

The display will last for ten days in order to let as many people as possible enjoy the scene.

Other activities taking place on the night will include: lThe world in one city, a global bazaar in Centenary Square from 10am to 10pm.

lLate night opening at Bradford Central Library, where story telling and games will take place until 10pm. Free light sticks will be handed to those arriving in fancy dress.

lA game - the Light Courts - will take place between the five Illuminate cities in Centenary Square.

Mr Wilson said following Light Night, decisions would be made about future plans.

He said more funding would be needed to hold further events. But he said it was likely the links forged between the cities would come in handy when planning for such events as the Olympics in 2012.

He said: "There is going to be visitors coming to the county and more than sport is going to be celebrated."

Other activities and offers will be taking place in the week running up to Light Night.

To find out more about Illuminate and Light Night telephone 0870 160 2420 or visit www.illuminatefestival.com e-mail: rebecca.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk