HISTORIC streets and gardens in Saltaire will be the backdrop for a drama which explores the effects of the First World War on the people of West Yorkshire.

Not About Heroes, a promenade play during Saltaire Festival, is set in September 1919 and explores the aftermath of the Great War on different sections of the community, as well as the humour and optimism with which they look to the future.

Writer and director Hattie Townsend has created characters fromSaltaire residents and elsewhere to illustrate some of the common experiences after the war's end.

Their stories are intertwined in the play, which will be performed at locations around the World Heritage Status village.

"I was very interested in how much the position of women had changed through the war - for example Enid Bagshaw, who runs her own hat shop, would have settled down with the boy next door," said Miss Townsend.

"After the war, there were no boys next door, and Enid becomes independent and enjoys her freedom.

Two performances of Not About Heroes take place on each of the first two days of the festival - this Saturday and Sunday.

And the opening weekend will also be marked with a host of family entertainment at Roberts Park.

Cultural delights of a culinary kind are promised Continental traders who will be in Exhibition Road from Friday, September 19, until Sunday, September 21, and offering a mouth-watering selection of fine foreign fare from heaving stalls.

And treats for the eye will be available at a special festival version of this year's Saltaire Makers’ Fair in the unique setting of Victoria Hall,.

The Makers’ Fair is a must for lovers of contemporary craft who will be able to explore high-quality jewellery, sculptural ceramics, interior and fashion textiles, hand-made furniture, original prints, and more.

June Russell, of event organisers Saltaire Inspired, said: “Competition for places at the Makers’ Fair is always strong, and this year we’re delighted to present an exceptional range of exhibitors selected for truly excellent quality.

"Six of our chosen makers will also be on show at the renowned Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester this October, but you’ll get to see them in Saltaire first.”

Saltaire Inspired has also worked with Saltaire Festival to bring a new contemporary art event to the Festival this year.

The Open Gardens Sculpture Trail will showcase sculpture, ceramics and glass by fourteen artists within the yards and gardens of Saltaire’s historic houses.

The sculptures, all of which are for sale, have been specially selected to enhance the locations in which they are presented, and several new works have been created in response to individual garden spaces.

Saltaire Makers’ Fair Festival Special and Open Gardens Sculpture Trail will take place as part of the opening weekend.

Tickets for Not About Heroes cost £7 and £5 concessions and are available from Saltaire Visitor Information Centre and the festival website saltairefestival.co.uk.

The festival opens with a beer festival at Victoria Hall on Friday and events in and around Saltaire run until Sunday, September 21.