NEW Bronte-inspired works and a special performance of The Railway Children are amongst projects unveiled in the first raft of events announced for UK City of Culture.

Bradford 2025 bosses say the packed programme will "celebrate contemporary culture in all forms" and showcase the area's history and heritage.

Events, performances and activities are planned across the district.

Earth & Sky will use music to inspire people to take a fresh look at the landscape above Haworth.

Bradford 2025 and Opera North have invited composers Caterina Barbieri, Nyokabi Kariuki and Gwen Sion to create music and sound works inspired by the area around Penistone Hill Country Park.

"The dramatic soundscape will take in everything from electronic innovations to African influences – woven together with field recordings and performances of Delius’ music by the orchestra of Opera North," said a spokesperson.

"This ever-changing sound world will use state-of-the-art technology – as you walk through the park, what you hear through your headphones will be triggered by every step you take, creating an unforgettable experience for each listener."

Earth & Sky forms part of Wild Uplands, an initiative which will see new contemporary artworks placed across the park.

Mike Kenny’s Olivier Award-winning adaptation of E Nesbit’s The Railway Children will be heading to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

Since the stage adaptation was premiered in 2008, it has earned widespread acclaim.

Now for the first time it is taking to the Worth Valley line, where the classic 1970 movie version of The Railway Children was filmed.

The spokesperson says: "The show will begin when you board a steam train at Keighley then travel the full length of the historic railway. At Oxenhope you’ll find a purpose-built auditorium within the station’s Engine Shed."

Another highlight of the programme will see four fantasy writers and illustrators from Ghana and northern England revisit the Brontes' imaginary world of Angria for a new collection of stories and animations, to be published as part of the Bronte Festival of Women’s Writing next September.

Keighley woman Shanaz Gulzar, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture creative director, says: "I am delighted to announce the first events in the programme, which showcase the exceptionally rich, diverse talent that Bradford holds. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate our extraordinary cultural heritage, and for our young population to become leaders and change-makers, starting a new chapter in the story of Bradford."