A ghostbusting evening in an old police cell is just one of the exciting events on offer during this year’s Keighley Festival.

Lone cell vigils will be available to people who join the Pennine Paranormal Society’s investigation.

The ghostbusters will be at Keighley Civic Centre – in the former North Street police station – on July 6.

They will also search for George, a friendly spirit seen on stage at Keighley Playhouse, on July 13.

The haunting experiences are among dozens of new events during the annual festival from July 6 to 13.

Organisers are this year focusing on special events rather than simply publicising regular activities.

There will be paintballing, brass-rubbing, knitting, instrument-playing and curry-making.

Also on offer are performances by Haworth Acting Academy, KYDZ Keighley Youth Theatre, local schools, local bands and top comedians.

There will also be a chance to walk in the footsteps of the Brontes, challenge a table tennis-playing robot, sail model boats on Keighley Tarn, and explore Utley Victorian Cemetery There will be community days in several areas including Haworth, Bracken Bank and Thwaites.

Festival mascot Happycat Jones will tour local schools with his screen adventure The Search for Blood’s Treasure.

Returning to the festival will be the Kings and Queens art exhibition, and a one-man play in local schools about the Tudors.

Most of the festival events are organised by community, voluntary or sports groups in Keighley.

Festival spokesman Malcolm Hanson said the festival was raising its profile this year after running in 2011 with no outside funding.

Bradford Council has this year given a £14,000 grant, enabling festival organisers to give small grants to local groups to help cover the costs of events.

Mr Hanson wanted to hear from groups wishing to organise events above and beyond their usual activities, or do something special during their regular gathering.

The small festival committee will then provide administrative back-up and publicity.

Mr Hanson said: “Anyone can be involved. There are already about 50 events including many new ones.”

For more information e-mail malcolm.b.hanson@gmail.com or ring (01756) 798730.