Family festival returns to Bradford for half-term

Activities such as lantern-making, ghost-spotting, apple-pressing and rag-rugging will be on offer for the Bradford Family Learning Festival.

Starting on Saturday, events will run throughout the half-term week at libraries, museums and galleries in the district to "inspire curiosity" among children.

Organisers Bradford Council are hoping that the free or low-cost sessions will attract a range of families.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for place, said: “Family learning has great outcomes for children, adults, and the wider community. It can help families tackle disadvantage and improve their life chances, all done in a fun, accessible way at the festival.”

Cliffe Castle in Keighley is hosting an Apple Day where visitors can make beeswax candles, and the Bradford Industrial Museum is holding a rag-rugging workshop. The village of Saltaire is the location of a craft fair.

Ilkley and Keighley libraries have themed sessions around the Bronte sisters, Bolling Hall is running a treasure hunt and ghost tour and Cartwright Hall is offering the chance to make lanterns and light-pictures ahead of the annual light parade at Lister Park.

Bradford Cathedral and the National Science and Media Museum are also among the venues holding activities.

Ms Ferriby added: “Families always enjoy this festival. It provides many much-needed low-cost or free family learning and leisure activities. This year we are hoping for record numbers taking part in the activities across the district at our libraries and in our museums.”

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