THE DISTRICT is celebrating the life and success of Anne Brontë on her 200th birthday.

Anne was often seen as the lesser-known Brontë, quiet and waiting for death.

She produced a total of ten books before she died aged 29, leaving behind works such as The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Glass Town and Agnes Grey.

Many curators even believe governess Agnes Grey inspired Jane Eyre.

But artists, historians and poets are hoping to quash these rumours - honouring one of the world’s greatest 19th century writers and the “strong, brave and outspoken person she was”.

Harry Jelley, audience development manager at the Brontë parsonage museum, told the Telegraph & Argus: “There is a perception that Anne is maybe a little meek and the less celebrated of the Brontë’s.

“When you read her literature, she’s really taking on big issues of the day and shouting out about injustices that she sees which we can all look at now and acknowledge as very brave.

“Bradford has so much to celebrate but one of these people is Anne Brontë.

“It’s the beginning of a whole year of celebrating Anne.”

A new exhibition is coming to the South Square Centre, Thornton, in February with artist responses to Anne’s life and works.

Meanwhile Bradfordians are invited to throw on their glad-rags for an evening of live music, poetry and dancing at the Delius Centre from 6-10.30pm.

A partnership between The South Square Centre and The Brontë Parsonage Museum, a lineup of musicians, there will be a lineup of musicians, poets and DJs as well as workshops on zine-making, badge-making and other DIY crafts.

Sonia Sandhu’s vegan pop-up food stand will be serving up delicious treats as well as Anne Brontë punch.

Local artist Rosie McAndrew is leading a zine making workshop.

The illustrator is a self-confessed Brontë lover, having shown her Bradford Moor and Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë)exhibition, ‘The Eternal Rocks Beneath’, at South Square last year.

Sharena Lee Satti will be reading poetry from the heart of Bradford as well as Kirsty Taylor bringing spoken word to the stage.

On music, there will be Stephanie Hladowski with her acapella folk magic and DJ’s Jenny Harris and Maria Spadafora - known as Buffet Disco.

Harry continued: “It’s giving people a way to celebrate in somewhere else other than the Parsonage.

“It’s about coming into a different place and engaging with the arts community in Bradford.

“It’s about showcasing creativity in the area - the event team has been partnered with local artists and creatives for exactly that reason - celebrating female artists from Bradford.

“It’s celebrating Ann by bringing together creatives from Bradford and the area.”

A Party for Anne Brontë’s 200th Birthday is a Pay What You Feel event.

No booking is required.