THIS year’s Family Learning Festival was officially opened at Bradford City Library today by the girl who opened the first festival nine years ago.

The festival aims to try to get parents to take an active role in their children’s learning.

Highlights of the fortnight long festival are the two Super Saturdays, on October 22 and 29, where lots of events around the city centre and the district are taking place.

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘All About Me’, with children being encouraged to paint self-portraits at the City Library from 11am to 3pm each Saturday.

At the Local Studies Library, children can trace their ancestors and make their own family tree, and at the Impressions Gallery in City Park they can explore the current exhibition, and take part in a variety of activities.

These events will also run from 11am to 3pm on both Saturdays.

The festival is a joint partnership between Bradford Council, Bradford Libraries, the National Media Museum, and others.

Festival ambassador Susan Brewster-Craig urged parents to take their children along to at least one of the more than 100 events taking place during the festival.

She said: “We want families to learn together.

“When parents learn with their children, they develop skills, grow in confidence, and develop quicker.

“The Super Saturdays really should not be missed, there is so much to discover, and we really want to bring families together to learn in a fun and friendly environment.”

A ribbon was cut to open the festival by Caitlin Brewster-Craig, who opened the first festival in 2007 when she was eight years old, who is now an ambassador for the festival with her mother.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, executive member for environment, sport and culture, said: “This is an excellent way of bringing families together and giving them the opportunity to learn while having fun, this year we are hoping for a record number of visitors.”

For a full list of events and more information about the festival, visit facebook.com/familylearningfestival.