Power pop rockers Ash are headlining a week of music-related events showcasing the best of Bradford's music scene alongside national breaking acts.

Bradford Music Week is a feast of live music, seminars and films featuring some of the best up-and-coming indie, rock and pop acts as well as breakdancing, acoustic sets, exhibitions, a record fair, drumming workshop and seminars on breaking into the music industry.

The week - organised by Bradford Council working with a variety of partners as part of Bradford's Music Development Initiative - is aimed at raising the profile of music and musicians in the district.

Venues used during the week will include St George's Hall, the Alhambra Studio, Impressions / Bradford 1 Gallery, The Priestley, the Love Apple, Delius, Starbucks and Zavvi record shop.

Highlight of the week will be Northern Irish band Ash, at St George's Hall on Frida,y May 30. Also playing on the night are Bradford band White Light Parade who have a tune on the Grand Theft Auto game and a new single out, this month; the Infadels, In Case of Fire and Minus Jack who were recently the house band on BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac show.

Other events include Lightspeed Champion headlining the BD1 LiVE gig at St George's Hall, with support from local band Spodní Prádlo, on Thursday, May 29.

The PM Lounge in Shipley plays host to Palladium, and The Hop features an eclectic mix of 24 buzz bands in two venues in one day. There's a mass drumming jam session on Centenary Square, featuring 100 drummers and, on Saturday, May 31, there will be the Bradford Hop, an all-day music festival with bands playing at Delius and the Love Apple from 4pm until midnight.

Other acts taking part include Shipley singer Laura Groves, The Debuts, Sons and Daughters, Mi Mye, Bradford band Redwire, Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man, Johnny Foreigner, 14 Corners, Le Tournoi, Slow Club, Gramatics, Tubelord, Napoleon IIIrd, Let's Wrestle, Paul Marshall and Cutting Pink With Knives.

There will be screenings of cult movies sponsored by Bradford Centre Regeneration, a record fair featuring rare, collectable vinyl, CDs and music memorabilia, and music seminars discussing the music industry and how to get into it.

The week is brought to a close with a breakdancing and DJ set at the Alhambra Studio.

Jane Glaister, Bradford Council's strategic director for culture, tourism and sport, said: "Bradford Music Week provides an excellent opportunity for musicians and partner organisations such as Bradford College to showcase their work as part of the ongoing music development initiative which aims to assist people wanting to work in the music industry."

  • Bradford Music Week runs from May 26 to June 1. For tickets ring (01274) 432000 and for more information about events visit bradfordmusicweek.com