Bradford landmarks illuminated for BD is Lit festival

Twenty locations will host illuminated art installations in Bradford this weekend

Some of Bradford's most famous landmarks will be illuminated with light and sound installations this weekend for the BD is LIT festival.

The free event will see projections beamed onto the Grade I-listed City Hall and giant inflatable sculptures will be on show in Centenary Square.

It is the second time it has taken place, with the first event in 2021 attracting more than 20,000 people.

The lights will be on from 17:00 until 21:00 GMT on Friday until Saturday

The city council said the event offers a family-friendly an alternative to Bonfire Night.

The City Hall light show is called Luminarium by Colour Project, and the inflatables in Centenary Square are called Lampadophores.

The story bus will offer sessions to younger visitors

Inflatable bubbles can be seen in City Park

A flock of illuminated sheep will also be grazing in City Park and there is a recreation of the iconic chimney of Lister Mill using stained glass and a light projecting chandelier on Bank Street.

The infamous Cottingley Fairies will be travelling through the city centre, as will George and Freda - a giant frog and chameleon.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said The National Literacy Trust's story bus will be on hand to offer storytelling sessions to younger visitors.

A giant interactive game of the beloved retro game, Snake, will be projected just off Prince's Way, while larger than life bubbles can be found in City Park.

Bradford theatre company Common Wealth will be at Bradford College, presenting a new performance and installation Fast, Fast, Slow, which explores fast fashion and its impact on the environment.

Fireside will see circus, dance, theatre and live music used to re-enact an original horror story just off Sunbridge Road, and the book shop Waterstones will have an installation that allows people to experience what it would be like to be inside a raindrop.

The Fantascope is inspired by the chimney of Lister's Mill

Councillor Si Cunningham said: "BD is LIT is a fantastic free event across the city centre that will showcase Bradford's cultural prowess.

"It is particularly important as we continue our preparations for UK City of Culture.

"This event will be the first outing for many of our volunteers who will be working on supporting City of Culture."

Sunbridge Road will be restricted to buses only between Godwin Street and Market Street until 18:10 GMT, and closed to all vehicles until 22:00 GMT.

While the road closure is in place, traffic will be diverted along Godwin Street, onto Prince's Way, and then left onto Hall Ings, the council said.