Saltaire Festival organisers and volunteers gathered last night to start the tenth annual festival of art, music and food.

They raised a glass to celebrate the continued success of the ten-day festival, which is expected to attract about 40,000 extra visitors to the World Heritage Site.

Festival directors thanked the volunteers who have helped to organise one of the most import events in Bradford district’s cultural calendar with an event at Don’t Tell Titus, ahead of the first event – tonight’s Now We Are Ten festival ball.

Julia Calver, chairman of the Saltaire Festival, said: “What makes the festival so special and unique are all the different events.

“We have the wonderful European and Yorkshire food fairs, but then there are also little gems in the nooks and crannies around the village.”

Tickets are still available for tonight’s festival party at Caroline Street Social Club, which will feature live music from Bradford band Dr Coxx, a DJ and a supper.

Tomorrow, award-winning children’s author Ann Fine OBE will reveal what inspired her to become a writer and answer questions from visitors at an event from 2pm at the canteen of set top box manufacturer Pace at Salts Mill.

The popular children’s author has written more than 50 books and became Children’s Laureate in 2001 before becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature two years later.

Foodies can enjoy a masterclass in Pakistani cuisine, accompanied by readings and a sale of fair trade handicrafts from the region, at Tandoori and Tall Tales tomorrow. Rahila Hussain will present the evening at the Half Moon Cafe, in Roberts Park, from 7.30pm.

She said: “Some of the dishes are family favourites which have been passed down by my parents, while others I have gathered while I was hunting and gathering in Pakistan for a cook book I’m writing.

“There are stories behind each dish and feelings I associate with the food I prepare and serve.”

The region’s top designers and makers will display textiles, jewellery and ceramics at Saltaire Festival Makers’ Fair at Victoria Hall, and the yards of the village’s famous mill cottages will be open to the public for the Saltaire open gardens tomorrow afternoon.

On Sunday, The Chair, a seven-piece group from Orkney who won best band at the Scottish Folk Awards, will perform music from the Highlands and the islands at Victoria Hall to bring the first weekend of festivities to a close.

Mrs Calver said: “It is a real opportunity to mix with famous people and local people who are all sharing in making the festival what it is.

“There are so many events going on at this year’s festival and that is what makes it feel so special. But this year also demonstrates the commitment of keeping the festival going.”

For a full list of events, further details and ticket information, visit saltairefestival.co.uk.