As Bradford gears up for the spectacular opening of The Broadway shopping centre, the opposite end of the city is buzzing.

Friday and Saturday sees Bradford’s first Food & Drink Festival hit the streets, with a heady mix of high quality, locally produced food and drink, celebrity chefs, and street entertainment.

Bradford Council’s markets service is working with local businesses and Jamie’s Ministry of Food to bring the event - which it is hoped will be the first of many - to the city.

The festival has been designed to complement the great food offering already in place at Oastler Market, such as cheese, meat, fresh spices and exotic fruits, as well as the many new bars and eateries which have opened in the Independent Quarter.

The event precedes a planned £3.8million redevelopment of the market, including a covered outdoor space for markets and events.

“The festival has been born out of that, to test the space, says Diana Greenwood, of Bradford Markets’ Service. “There will be demonstrations, music, food tasting and Halloween entertainment for children.”

David Crompton, of AJ Pickup & Sons butchers is thrilled to be taking part. “We are at Jamie’s Ministry of Food where my wife and her friend are making pulled pork sandwiches in pitta bread for people to try.

“We want to try and promote the area. The square lends itself to events It will be a good thing in light of what is happening at the bottom of Darley Street. It ties in with up and coming North Parade. The future is looking good.”

A marquee will be set up next to the market, allowing people to wander between the two.

The festival features guest appearances from Italian chef and restauranteur Gennaro Contaldo, two-star Michelin-trained chef Matthew Benson Smith and actor and cheesemaker Sean Wilson.

Bradford’s Great British Bake Off star Sandy Docherty and Yorkshire chef Robert Ramsden.

Market stalls include handmade Italian chocolate, traditional fudge, homemade cakes, beers and local cheeses and biscuits.

Jamie’s Ministry of Food is hosting two open days with events including a pizza workshop and sessions in how to avoid food waste as well as a pumpkin decorating, pumpkin carving and pumpkin soup demonstration.

“Hopefully, this event will give us an idea as to how future events will look, says Ministry of Food project manager Soraya Overend. “It should help to increase trade. There are lots of amazing independent businesses on North Pararde, this will raise awareness and show people what we have got at the top end of town.”

Gunther Giangregario, of Roswitha’s Delicatessen is taking part in the festival, joining forces with craft beer pub The Sparrow to showcase food and drink.

“I am very excited - it is going to be a fantastic event,” he says. “We are going to be serving goulash and a mixed platter of meats with beer. We will be in the tent with Gennaro. There will be lots of cookery demonstrations.

“It is a taste of the future - of what it is going to like in a couple of years. It is all part of getting our own identity. North Parade has already become a really nice destination for food and drink and the range of craft beers. We want to tell other people about it.”

He adds: “The whole demographic of the city centre is changing, it is all coming together. It is all very positive.”

North Parade is among the last three finalists, from a starting line up of 230 - vying for the award of Great British High Street - Best City Location.

“Everyone is very excited about it,” says Diana. “ We want it to become a regular thing. We have been working with businesses in North Parade and traders in the market. We want to create a space that businesses and customers can take ownership of. They are all supportive of the event – it will really be a boost.

“Broadway is opening on November 5 and they are thrilled that something is happening at the top end of the city. We want people to remember the Independent Quarter and see what good quality produce is available.”

She adds: “We want to continue this and work with the businesses going forward. Funding permitted, we want to organise events such as Christmas markets and other activities throughout the year.”

*Bradford Food & drink Festival, Northgate, October 30-31. For more information visit bradfordmarkets.com/markets/events; facebook.com/bradford.markets

*To vote for North Parade visit thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-award