THE bars, cafes and businesses that make up Bradford's ever expanding independent quarter will soon become makeshift laboratories for an evening of science.

North Parade After Dark is an evening event that will be one of dozens of events planned for the British Science Festival, taking place in the city next month.

In the past few years the North Parade area has been transformed with new bars and investment, and many of these venues are taking part in the free workshops and shows on September 8.

The festival, hosted by the University of Bradford, runs from September 7 to 10, and features dozens of free events. It will be followed by a week long Fringe Festival that will include family and children's events.

Among the events taking place at North Parade After Dark, which includes work by national and regional scientists and artists, are a North/South brew off at Bradford Brewery, where the science inspired Festival beer will be served, and a letterpress workshop. The venue will also hold a guided smell tour of Bradford.

The Sparrow Bier Cafe hosts a collaborative storytelling experience on a low carbon future, and light projections that allow visitors to travel through a "space time tunnel".

There will be musical performances in Northgate Square, artists showing off their work in The 1in12 Club and a look at historic images of tumours at Forks Cafe.

Other venues taking part include The Beerhouse, Al's Dime Bar, Fuse Art Space and BCB Radio.

Ivvet Modinou, head of engagement for the British Science Association, said: "We're really excited to be working with these local independent businesses.

"A lot of people think of science events as being for children. There will be a lot on for kids, but this is for adults.

"The idea is for people to pick up a map and then they can drop in to a lot of different venues. Ideally people will come to this, then realise how great the festival can be and then go along to the other events, perhaps with their families."

Keith Wildman runs the Record Cafe, a bar that opened last year that sells charcuterie meats, vinyl records and real ale. The bar will be the venue for Colourful Chemistry, where art historian Julie Wertz will talk about dyeing and the chemical reactions that are used in clothing.

He said: "I signed up because I thought it would be something a bit different.

"Science covers every single aspect of life. I've always been fascinated in how things work and it is good to be involved in something like this.

"It is something quirky, and it is nice that a national body like the British Science Association has chosen this street to host the event. It is great to get that recognition."

The evening runs from 6pm to 11pm.