Shipley will be going circus MAD when the town hosts its annual festival, from June 5 to 10.

Stilt walkers, entertainers and balloon modellers will be showcased at the six-day Music, Arts and Dance festival, known as MAD for short.

An Urban Circus and percussion show, and a fire show will take to the ring at Shipley Market Square on Saturday, June 7.

And other activities being showcased through the day will include face painting, a performance by Bradford Christian School and a Secret Circus sideshow.

On the first and last days of the festival community markets will be held in Shipley Market Square from 9am until 4pm.

The stalls will be allocated to locally-supported charities and good causes.

And organisations are being called on to book their stalls now through Shipley Information Centre. A Spanish theme will be the focus of a festival evening at the Lakean Ballroom in Briggate, Shipley, on June 7, from 8pm until 11.30pm.

Salsa dancing, Spanish food, from tapas to sangria, and music will be on offer.

Tickets will be priced £5, in aid of Christians Against Poverty.

And on Monday, June 9, Saltaire songwriter and poet Eddie Lawler will sing old and new songs with support from Shipley Folkies, poet David Gill and harpist Fiona-Katie Roberts from Oxenhope.

Councillor Tony Miller (Lab, Shipley East) said about the event: "I am always enthusiastic about the festival as it brings a lot of people into Shipley.

"It helps to show people what we have got to offer. A festival of this nature helps with the regeneration of the town.

"Parents and children get the benefit of being able to shop in a fun, child-orientated environment.

"We hope the festival gets bigger and bigger every year and I am delighted to part of it."

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for the environment, said: "A host of activities are planned including the community market in aid of locally supported charities and good causes.

"I am sure there will be something for everyone to enjoy."

To inquire about market stalls or for further details about events, contact Shipley Information Centre at Wellcroft, Shipley, on (01274) 437016.