AN ARMY of skilled workers has raised the roof on the massive stage ready for this year's Bingley Music Live festival which starts on Friday.

Some 33,000 fans are expected for the three-day spectacular in Myrtle Park with headliners including Pet Shop Boys, Example, Shed Seven, Nick Mulvey, Gaz Coombes (from Supergrass), Naughty Boy, MNEK, Gorgon City and Simon and Oscar of Ocean Colour Scene.

Andrew Wood, Bradford Council's sport and leisure events manager has been responsible for overseeing construction of the huge site.

"It takes a week for it to go up and because we've used the same staging set up as last year it's all gone very smoothly and we're all on schedule," said Mr Wood, speaking in the park's splendid natural amphitheatre.

A team of 50 workers have been involved in the building of the two stages, catering tents, toilet facilities and a luxurious canvas "Green Room" for visiting stars, complete with leather Chesterfields and Victorian furniture.

"My only slight anxiety is due to the fact everything's going so smoothly!" joked Mr Wood.

"And the weather is set to improve and warm up for what looks like being a fantastic weekend."

The 20m wide stage with its10m high roof conceals an equally deep area were bands wait their turn to perform.

"We have everything set up like a production line with drum kits and instruments all on rolling risers which means the 18-strong stage crew will get quick turnarounds on stage," he said.

"It should mean we can get support acts on in ten minutes and only 25 minutes for the headline acts."

He said sales were now in advance of last year's festival and estimated 33,000 music fans would be filing through the gates - and importantly also into the bars, shops and restaurants of Bingley.

"I don't think we'll make the capacity figure of 45,000, but it will look full enough and all those people will be out in the town.

"One of the reason's for BML's success is that people can just walk into town so easily and also a reason the council supports it is because of the benefit to the local economy.

"I'd say ninety per cent of businesses benefit - it's a bit like a second Christmas."

With residential properties only 150m from the main stage it is important that BML works closely with local people, said Mr Wood.

"We have residents' forum meetings five times a year to address any issues - it's very much a community event and all works very well.

"The nearest property is an elderly people's home - who apparently really like seeing so many young people having such a great time."

Meanwhile, Bradford Council is encouraging Bingley Music Live revellers to plan their travel in advance for the weekend of the festival on August 29, 30 and 31.

Those in doubt should visit wymetro.com, where they will find bus and train timetables, a Journey Planner and real-time information to help with their travel arrangements.

Festival organisers have also laid on a regular Park and Ride service to ferry drivers from the car park at UKAR (the former Bradford and Bingley offices) in Crossflatts to the town centre venue.

For more information about tickets visit bingleymusiclive.com