A HUGE crowd descended upon Haworth Central Park for the official opening of its new performing arts bandstand.

The structure was launched by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Michael Gibbons, who was accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Elizabeth Sharp.

James Young, of the Friends of Haworth Park, thanked all those who had helped raise the funding over the last ten years for the new bandstand.

Gillian Hill, chairman of the Friends group, outlined the future plans for the park, before inviting the Lord Mayor to cut the opening ribbon. A bouquet was presented to the Lady Mayoress by eight-year-old Haworth girl Jessica Poulsen.

Launch event spokesman Peter Hill said: "We had families picnicking in the sunshine while Haworth Band opened the proceedings, as their predecessors had done when the park first opened in 1927. "The crowd was then entertained by the talented Bingley duo Betsy and The Writer. To close the afternoon show, The Songbirds, a local children’s group, delighted the audience with songs and dance.

"At 8pm the evening show was opened by the talented Indian Dance Group. We then had live music by local group Box Jellies and the headline act Foxes Faux, who played to the happy crowd until 11pm."

The entertainment was put on by the Friends of Haworth Park as part of Haworth Festival.

Organisers have thanked the performers who contributed their talents for free and have also thanked the volunteer helpers who made the day a success.