The Christmas spirit will come to Bradford with an evening of festive family entertainment heralding the start of the city’s illuminations.

Step into Christmas takes place on Saturday, November 14, in the city centre with a performance by renowned international theatre company Grupo Puja and the switch-on of the Christmas lights.

The show will start at 5.30pm and features a team of aerial and bungee performers.

They will work with live musicians and a sphere suspended from a crane in their K@osmos show.

There will be pre-show entertainment from 4.30pm and the Christmas lights will be switched on after the performance.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor John Godward, will be making a speech and Pulse radio breakfast presenter Alex Duffy will host the show.

The event will end with a light and fireworks display.

Councillor Anne Hawkes-worth, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment and culture, said: “This is the first of a number of great family events in the city to put people into the festive spirit.

“This should be a fun afternoon with a stunning performance for everyone to enjoy.

“I hope people come into the city centre to enjoy this entertainment and the start of Christmas in Bradford.”

Other town centre festive illuminations will be turned on in Keighley on Thursday, November 19, in Ilkley on Saturday, November 21, and in Shipley and Bingley on Saturday, November 28.

Civic Christmas trees will be springing up around the district from Monday.

A total of nine 30ft firs will be installed at locations such as Centenary Square, Myrtle Place in Bingley and High Street in Keighley.

There will be three 25ft trees in villages such as Queensbury and Wyke.

The festive spirit will also be brought to the district with a number of markets and events, the first of which begins on Saturday, November 21, and runs for a month.

The large German market will take over Centenary Square will dozens of traditional-style stalls.

There will be cheeses, strudel, sausages, apple dumplings, gingerbreads, mulled wine and hot apple cider.

Handcrafted jewellery and glassware, candles and woodcarvings, furniture and toys will add the to festive fun, as well as music from carol singers and handbell ringers.