THE BRONTË story began today 200 years ago.

And it’s today in 2016 that five years of celebratory activities begin at the worldwide shrine of Brontë enthusiasts.

Hundreds of fans are expected to descend on Haworth for special activities to mark two centuries since the birth of Charlotte Brontë.

The eldest of the three famous Brontë sisters grew up to write Jane Eyre, one of the most famous novels in the world.

Over the next five years Brontë200 will celebrate the birth of Charlotte, Emily, Anne, their brother Branwell, and their father Patrick’s invitation to become rector of Haworth.

The Brontë Society will begin its April 21 celebrations at 11am in Thornton, near Denholme, the actual birthplace of Charlotte in 1816.

A floral tribute will be laid at the Brontë Bell Chapel in Thornton, and a second floral tribute will be transported to Haworth by bicycle accompanied by members of Otley Ladies Cycling Club.

Brontë Society spokesman Rebecca Yorke said the Brontë Parsonage Museum would open at 10am.

She said: “There will be a series of talks about Charlotte and the chance to see some of Charlotte’s possessions up close in the Parsonage Library with a member of the Collections team.

Bestselling novelist Tracy Chevalier, writer of Girl With The Pearl Earring and the museum’s creative partner for 2016, will be one of the guests today.

Rebecca said: “There will be a chance to hear Tracy talk about her exhibition at the Parsonage, Charlotte Great And Small.

“We will be open until 8pm, and people visiting after 6pm will be invited to join us for a celebratory drink. Normal admission prices apply.”

The Brontë Society is hosting a birthday party in honour of Charlotte, with free entry for everyone, in the Old School Room, almost opposite the Brontë Parsonage Museum, from 11am to 4pm

Rebecca said: “Visitors who join us in costume will be very welcome, but dressing up is not compulsory.

“There will be tea and cake and entertainment throughout the day, including an appearance by pupils from Haworth Primary School who will perform early scenes from Jane Eyre.”

“We are inviting members of the local community to bake a cake for Charlotte and bring it along to the School Room this morning. We’ll take photographs of some of the most imaginatively decorated.”

During the afternoon, Sandy Docherty, a Great British Bake Off contestant and Brontë enthusiast, will present the cake she has baked especially for Charlotte.

Also in the School Room, artist Julia Ogden will run a drop-in craft activity and there will be a chance to write in Charlotte’s Birthday Book.

A floral tribute will be laid in the Parsonage Garden accompanied by words from Rev Peter Mayo-Smith and later in the afternoon, a rose will be planted in the grounds in Charlotte’s memory.