The multi-faceted Stir festival has hit the streets, theatres and, in at least one case, a car park in Bradford.

Stir is more than just an arts festival, according to organisers, and has been planned to showcase a wealth of creativity across various media.

Among the events on offer are video projections, vampire theatre, mobile raves, an alternative film festival and a whole host of new bands.

The four-day festival, which started yesterday, has been compiled by Bradford Council's head of theatres, arts and festivals, Sheena Wrigley.

She said: "The digital industries allow people a new way to express their creativity. It's just fantastic what has been conceived and how it will work.

"Digital media are increasingly important in the economic regeneration of Bradford district and Stir presents a great opportunity to see how artists are working with new technologies to produce some really fresh and interesting art."

Gideon Seymour, director of Bradford arts groups Fabric, said: "Culture is an economic asset, it should no longer be seen as something of a luxury or something we can only afford when resources are plentiful. Culture and creativity are essential ingredients in a local economic development strategy."

Anne Hawksworth, the Council's culture portfolio holder, was also keen to stress the economic gains the festival would provide. She said: "New media and the creative arts are a significant part of Bradford's economic scene. An active creative economy helps us to retain the best talent locally and to attract other businesses with its sense of dynamism."

Theatre in the Mill, based on the University of Bradford campus, is putting on three projects for the festival including two street theatre pieces Pit Stop and the Bowlers. Both these performances run until tomorrow.

Today and tomorrow there will be an open air exhibition and market place from 12pm outside the former Tyrls police station in the city.

And tonight some of the best upcoming local bands will be showcasing their talents at the St George's Hall in BD1 Live. The event will start at 8pm and tickets can be bought on the door.