A MAJOR eco arts festival is being staged in Keighley.

The first-ever Creative Earth Eco Fest takes place in the grounds of Cliffe Castle on Saturday, August 3.

There will be a host of hands-on activities and entertainment for people of all ages at the free-admission event, from noon to 7pm.

Spearheading the initiative are Photo Hub North and Impressions Gallery.

Lisa Holmes, director of Photo Hub North, had the original vision for the venture.

She says: "Last year – with the support of Land Art Agency – I launched the Creative Earth Network, a shared space bringing together artists from across the world to explore working in a more environmentally conscious way. The response was amazing. Following this I thought it would be incredible to create a festival that celebrated this work and share it with communities. We're especially pleased to be able to stage our first eco fest in the impressive grounds of Cliffe Castle.

"Thanks to funding from The Leap Awards, we've been able to make Creative Earth Eco Fest free to attend, meaning that many people from the area will be able to come."

Anne McNeill, director of Impressions Gallery, said the charity was delighted to be co-curating the event.

She said: "As a charity we are committed to presenting and making photography that is more sustainable and better for the environment, therefore I'm delighted that we've joined with Photo Hub North to co-curate the first-ever Creative Earth Eco Fest.

"My hope is we can use the power of photography and art to help people feel confident about making small sustainable changes, whilst having a lot of fun and enjoying a great day out."

Attractions will include a special eco-darkroom where people can produce their own photograms, plant-based photography workshops, henna art, creating artwork from natural objects, making flags using natural dyes and leaf printing, and 're-loving' family photos in a zine-making workshop led by artist Jean McEwan.

A pop-up outdoor gallery will showcase photographers' work, produced in more sustainable ways.

There'll also be a wellbeing zone, including tai chi, outdoor play for families led by Keighley’s Get Out More CIC, and forest bathing.

Millside Community Centre will bring its Welcome Cafe, and other food offerings will include a stall by Caterpillar Catering.

Festivalgoers will be invited to share eco-friendly ideas over a cup of chai.

The programme also features 'bitesize' talks on environmental issues, seed swapping opportunities, a pedal cycle cinema and live music – including Keighley Rock Choir, dhol drumming and DJ sets from No Hands.

And the festival will culminate with a celebratory parade, led by Haworth Band.

People visiting the event are encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport. A free electric bus service will be operated by Transdev between the bus station and the venue.