An array of dance styles from around the globe was showcased at Bradford’s City Park over the weekend as part of a nationwide celebration of dance.

Hundreds of dancers performed a high-energy mix of street dance, free running, zumba, cheerleading, South Asian and contemporary routines for the Bradford Big Dance event on Saturday.

Two times World Street Dance Champions and four times UK Street Dance Champions Plague performed with dance legend Brook Milliner, who starred in movie Street Dance 3D.

Prodigal Theatre’s Urban Playground Team climbed and swung from railings for their expressive routine, which blended free running, theatre and Parkour, a type of urban gymnastics.

There were also demonstrations and coaching from the UK’s top professional BMX, skateboarding and inline skating artists Team Extreme, who performed stunts and tricks to large crowds on a giant u-shaped ramp.

Youngsters from BD4 Youth Dance performed an Afro-Caribbean-inspired number while one of the event’s highlights was the Champions of Dance, a new piece by members of the Bradford Dance Network.

Inspired by London 2012, the dance was made up of five separate routines – including cheerleading, South Asian, tap, street and contemporary – performed in different sections of the park.

Dozens of pupils and parents from Shipley dance school the DM Academy performed a tap dance routine to Singin’ in the Rain in their wellies in the Mirror Pool for their part of the piece.

Academy principal Deana Morgan said: “It was a very exciting day for everyone. The children and the parents involved had a fantastic time. The whole atmosphere around City Park contributed to a really great day. Our partners had a fantastic day as well and we hope even more people will be involved next year.”

Vanessa Mitchell, manager of the event, which was one of thousands held across the country as part of Big Dance UK, said: “The new City Park has opened a big space up for us to hold events. It’s a nice place to play and it’s a great place to hold activities. This event in particular is an opportunity not just to watch but to take part.”

Despite recent heavy downpours, which led to the cancellation of Bingley Show, summer carnivals were still able to go ahead in Baildon and Cullingworth over the weekend.

Baildon Carnival Committee chairman David Mitchell said around £5,000 was raised at Saturday’s event, which will be given to community groups in the area.

He said: “We were pleased the event was able to go ahead despite the wet weather we have been having. We had to do some re-arranging but it was a very good turn out.”

The carnival included an Olympic and Jubilee-themed parade through the village as well as an obstacle course and tea and cakes, made by members of the Baildon Belles Women’s Institute.

Yesterday’s Cullingworth Gala, which was moved to Parkside School, included stalls, a balloon release, climbing wall and a ‘cave bus’, run by members of the Scouts. There was also live samba and rock music as well as choir singing.