A BREATHTAKING aerial show featuring giant floating bikes is set to entertain thousands of people at the city's main Christmas lights switch-on.

Organisers said the Bradford Christmas Lights Spectacular would include an "enchanting" aerial show by internationally celebrated Belgian street theatre troupe Theater Tol.

The performance, called Pedaleando Hacia El Cielo or Pedalling Towards Heaven, will feature exquisite costumes, daring aerial gymnastics, haunting live music and a stunning 3D projection set.

Beautiful angels will gracefully float above City Park while being pedalled into City Park on giant tricycles. The performers will stay on their bikes as they hoisted more than 100ft in to the air before pedalling on a giant rotating mobile.

The group's soprano, also suspended, will sing a powerful atmospheric soundtrack as the gymnasts perform. Colourful lighting, fireworks and balloons will add to the showcases, which promises to end with a "sparkling finale."

The evening, organised by Bradford Council, will open on a more traditional note as local choirs sing festive songs and Christmas carols before the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons, leads a countdown to switch on the illuminations.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and enjoy free entertainment in City Park."

Last year more than 20,000 packed City Park to see MUARÉ, an airbourne rock show.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the Council's portfolio holder for culture, said: "We are really looking forward to this remarkable aerial show being staged in the city.

"Bradford is gaining a reputation for putting on outstanding alternative lights switch on events and this year’s Christmas Lights Spectacular will be superb.

"Bradford Council is working hard to deliver a wide range of regeneration projects in the city centre and these events are part of this wider programme to support economic development."

The event, on Saturday, will also include children’s funfair rides on Tyrrel Street, from 10am until 7pm, and roaming Christmas-themed street theatre between City Park and John Street from noon until 4.30pm.

The free show will be at City Park from 5pm until 6pm.

Other Christmas lights events include:

  • Cleckheaton, Saturday, November 15, 6pm;
  • The Grove, Ilkey, Saturday, November 22;
  • Keighley, Sunday, November 23;
  • Baildon, Friday, November 28, from 5.30pm;
  • Bingley Christmas fair from 10am, and switch-on at 4.30pm, Saturday, November 29;
  • Victoria Hall, Saltaire, Sunday, November 30, 4pm.