THE cream of Bradford's local music scene will come together for an event this weekend to raise money for the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal.

The Fringe Festival at city centre bar Delius Lived Next Door in Claremont began last night, and will continue until Sunday evening, over which period thousands of people are expected to enjoy the music of almost 20 artists.

Each year the festival supports Yorkshire Cancer Research and another charity this year organisers have chosen the £1 million Crocus Appeal, which is supported by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Entry to the festival is free, but revellers are asked to make a donation

Headlining the event on Sunday will be Lala and the Booya, a popular Bradford duo who have wowed crowds across the country with their tough to pin down electronic sound.

Topping the bill tomorrow are Alt Track, who play a mix of punk and drum and bass. Tonight will be headlined by an album launch by DMA. Other artists playing over the weekend include Hot Knives, Nine Volt Heart, Angelo Palladino, The Velveteens and Stand Alone.

The other partners in the appeal are the T&A, the University of Bradford and the Sovereign Healthcare Charitable Trust.

It aims to raise £1m for research at the University’s Institute of Cancer Therapeutics.

READ MORE ABOUT THE CROCUS CANCER APPEAL

Nick Hopkins, duty manager at the bar and in charge of the festival, said: "It originally started five years ago as the ginger fringe and we wanted to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

"What started as a one day gig has become this four day event. It has become a central part of the local scene, people start asking us in January who is playing this year.

"Last year we had about 1,500 to 2,000 people on the weekend. This year's headliners are huge, so we're expecting them to bring in a big crowd too.

"Over the five years we've been running the festival we've probably raised between £8,000 and £10,000. It is the pub's 20th anniversary this year, and we've really become one of the city centre's busiest venues."

The bands begin at 7pm today and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.