KEIGHLEY is once again hosting an arts and film festival.

Events will take place across the town over three days in October.

Spearheading the initiative is arts charity Keighley Creative, which says the aim is to build on the success of last year's extravaganza – which saw more than 3,000 people visit at least one activity, and over 120 performers and artists take part.

Organisers say a recently-appointed festival and events team is working hard with artists and performers to develop an "exciting"

programme for the latest spectacle – which will run from Friday, October 7, to Sunday, October 9.

Keighley Arts and Film Festival was established in 2019, with a mission to help boost arts in the Keighley area and provide a platform for creative and cultural individuals and groups.

Since then it has continued to grow and has now become an annual event.

Even the pandemic failed to stop the festival going ahead.

In 2020, an online programme was delivered to people in their own homes.

And last year, Keighley Creative presented a series of more than 30 events at short notice as lockdown restrictions eased.

The public was able to enjoy a packed schedule of performances, exhibitions and participation events, which met with positive feedback.

Keighley Creative – which is based in the former Sunwin House store, in Hanover Street – has appointed two new staff members, after obtaining funding for the posts for two years. And the festival and events team is working on what it describes as "an even bigger and more diverse" range of activities to build on the festival's success and make it "a major presence on West Yorkshire’s cultural calendar".

The charity's festival and events director, Madeleine O’Reilly, says: "We’re so excited about this year’s programme – which celebrates Keighley’s past, present and future.

"We’re building on relationships with many great partners so that there is a wide ranging and exciting programme. It’s great to work with so many talented people here in Keighley."

Organisers say that visitors to this year's Keighley Arts and Film Festival will be able to enjoy a huge range of attractions – including films, community workshops, poetry and stand-up comedy.

Further information about events will be given via Keighley Creative's social media channels as activities are confirmed in the coming weeks.

More details about Keighley Creative and its work, including the festival, can be found at keighleycreative.org.