SPECTACULAR light shows, pyrotechnic street theatre, illuminated aerial performance and giant chess sets are just some of the attractions to come at City Park over the autumn and winter.

The action-packed programme kicks off with Chesstival in the Park on Saturday, September 13 from 11am to 3.30pm. This event will feature the chance for players to pit their wits against each other on a giant chess board and battle against a grand master.

Spellbound, held on Saturday, October 4, is a breathtaking night show with illuminated scenes, dance, music and pyrotechnic special effects by outdoor performance specialists, Walk the Plank.

The show uses shadow theatre, where performers replace puppets. The event also features steampunk extraordinaire street theatre act, Swyron.

Bradford Shine, held nightly between 7pm to 10pm on October 9 to 12, includes stilt walking Lightwalkers and towering Flamingoes surrounding City Park.

Visitors can learn about DNA and enjoy interactive workshops at the Born in Bradford Family Festival, held on Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, from 10am to 4pm each day.

The city's Christmas Lights Spectacular, on Saturday, November 15 from 5pm, will see Belgian street theatre troop, Theater Tol, perform in a backdrop of a 3D projection set.

Angels will 'float' above the audience then reach heights of more than 100ft on a giant mobile. Colourful acrobats will soar through the air, swooping down to touch the crowd.

A dazzling pyrotechnic finale will conclude the festivities, which will also include gymnastics, costumes and live music.

Bradford artist Jamie Wardley displays his skills when he carves a winter wonderland from ice.

Workshops and find out how forensic scientists do their work at the Bradford Science Festival on Saturday, October 25 from 11am to 4pm.

Other events include the Bradford City Runs on Sunday, October 26, with one-mile children's, 5k, 10k and half-marathon runs taking place from 9.15am.

Cyclists can take to the city's streets for Sky Ride Bradford on Sunday, September 28 between 11am and 3pm.

Residents will be able to pay their respects at on Remembrance Sunday from 11am on November 11.

Kirkgate Shopping Centre's Reindeer Parade, which leaves Kirkgate Shopping Centre at 10am on Sunday, November 16.

Children can write a letter to Santa Claus at The Ice Post Box on Saturday, December 20. This event will feature a live carve from 11am to 1.30pm and kids can post letters from 1.30pm.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, portfolio holder for employment, skills and culture, said: "Events are a really important element of building a prosperous city centre and I'm pleased that the events announced once again provide something exciting and innovative which will attract people from far and wide.”

For more information on upcoming events in City Park, go to bradford.gov.uk/events.