Pedal power ruled at Bradford's Lister Park when hundreds of cyclists embraced two wheels in the weekend sunshine.

Cycle Fest indulged all aspects of cycling including time trials, skills courses for beginners and games of bike polo.

Special guest from Strasbourg, France, flat lands rider Jimmy Biondi, 24, showed off his own brand of BMX biking fun, pulling off stunts that saw him ride by walking on a back wheel, cycling with the frame upside down and backwards wheelies.

John Dennis, of Haworth, had his legs waxed to raise money for his forthcoming 2,200-mile cycle to Malta to mark his 50th birthday and raise money for Bradford Disability Sport.

Story telling sessions were held in Cartwright Hall, where a display told the history of cycling in Bradford.

Ginny Leonard, cycling development officer for event organisers CTC, the national cyclists’ organisation, said: “It’s a fun, family day. Everyone can get involved. We’re encouraging people of all ages to get into cycling and developing their particular interests in different aspects of the sport.”

At Baildon Green, a Gipsy Fair was staged by Bradford Council’s community engagement officers. Members of the travelling community re-visited the Green, a former gypsy stopping place, to give people a better idea of their way of life and were joined by actor Jody Latham, best known for playing the character of Lip in television series Shameless.

He said: “My family has gipsy roots going back to the 1920s. I came here to make the event appeal to youngsters and at the same time get an experience of a different culture.”

Eldwick Gala drew crowds to Gilstead Recreation Ground. Former Bradford City star John Hendrie opened the event.