RED BULL is to give young entrepreneurs a boost with a special eight-day programme based in Bradford - the first time the event has been held in the UK.

The international drinks manufacturer has organised Red Bull Amaphiko - Zulu for 'wings' - around the globe for the past few years.

It aims to champion social entrepreneurs driving positive change in their locality through workshops and learning tasks with mentors.

And it will feature major public events with the likes of TV presenters Reggie Yates and June Sarpong hosting film, spoken word and community days.

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Bradford was chosen as the first UK venue for the event ahead of bigger cities such as Leeds and London.

Natalie Duvall, Social Innovation Project Lead for Red Bull, said: "We came to Bradford last year on tour and also visited London and Glasgow.

"But it really worked in Bradford and nothing like this really happens there.

"It is a special innovation event and will give wings to Bradford."

She added that it would add to the city's offer particularly in view of the city's 2025 City of Culture bid.

Red Bull says Bradford is "a hive of social innovation activity and punches well above its relatively small stature".

It adds: "As one of most diverse and youngest cities in the UK, there is an energy about Bradford not evident elsewhere."

Red Bull Amaphiko will be hosted by business incubator Digital Exchange in Little Germany which brings start-ups and SMEs together in an innovation environment. More than 500 young entrepreneurs from around Britain applied for a spot in the programme. Thirty were shortlisted and 15 chosen at a selection day.

They each have a project they are developing which fits in with the criteria Red Bull wanted to focus on of education, health and fitness and sustainability.

They will be paired up with mentors and take part in workshops to help their project flourish with guidance continuing for a further 12 months.

Among the projects getting help are a man who picks up tents left behind at festivals and turns them into streetwear and another who runs dance sessions for people with Parkinson's, turning their postures into shapes on the dance floor.

Ms Duvall added: "We will take the entrepreneurs on a journey by meeting story tellers and business mentors."

As part of the Amaphiko there will be three events held in the community at venues around the city centre.

Actor, TV presenter and radio DJ Reggie Yates will host a short films evening on Thursday at the Light cinema showcasing four films with positive stories about Bradford.

The next day Jamz Supernova will host a night of spoken word artists and musicians at Bradford Playhouse, featuring Grammy nominated artist The Floacist.

And the programme is rounded off by a free community day at Digital Exchange on Sunday, October 6, featuring a lecture from TV presenter June Sarpong and performances by local musicians, pop-up stores, women-only personal fitness and skateboarding sessions and haircuts and barber workshops.

For tickets and details visit redbull.co.uk/amaphiko.