Bollywood came to Bradford in an explosion of colour last night, with glittering lights dancing between shooting fountains as the sun set on the shimmering Mirror Pool.

Bollywood Carmen, a spectacular twist on Bizet’s opera, was performed in City Park in front of a packed audience, and broadcast live on BBC Three.

The lively crowd played an integral role in the production, performing Bollywood moves and cheering and clapping along to the action.

The ambitious production was the latest of the BBC’s outdoor shows, following The Manchester Passion and Frankenstein’s Wedding, staged at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds.

The ‘Bollywood opera’ has involved many Bradford people, on and off stage. The cast was supported by 100 local dancers, while students from the University of Bradford and Bradford College worked with the technical crew and make-up team.

Twin brothers Akeel and Jameel Amini, owners of Ranis Bradford boutique, dressed cast members and local henna artist Amnah Mahmood did the show’s body art.

Bradford City of Film director David Wilson was among those enjoying the show. He said the City of Film team played a central role in bringing Bollywood Carmen to Bradford.

“I have been working with the BBC for 18 months on finding the right location, rehearsal facilities, dancers, crew and hotel accommodation,” said Mr Wilson. “I persuaded them to wait for City Park to be finished – once it opened they really went for it.

“It’s fantastic to have this live event in Bradford. An hour on national television is a great way of highlighting the beauty of City Park.”

Sarah Walton, from Haworth, snapped up tickets as soon as they went online. “It’s amazing – Bradford looks beautiful with all the lights and colour. The Mirror Pool is a perfect backdrop,” she said.

James Asquith from Greengates said: “It’s a fantastic show and a wonderful atmosphere. It must be a complex, ambitious production to stage, but it’s all very slick. Bradford gets a bad name sometimes, but having this amazing event on live TV is a brilliant showcase for the city.”