Punjabi speakers from across the country will be in Bradford this weekend for an annual cultural festival.

The annual Kavi Darbar event, a celebration of Punjabi language, art and culture takes place on Sunday.

Kavi Darbar is organised by the Bradford Educational and Cultural Association of Sikhs (BECAS) and is the biggest of its kind in the north.

The event will feature performances from Punjabi poets, authors and singers from all over the world.

Last year more than 300 people attended the event and this year's event promises to be even bigger with more than 400 people are expected to attend.

Mohan Sangha, president of BECAS, said: "The Bradford Kavi Darbar is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the North of England to promote Punjabi Culture and Art.

"The event is open to all Punjabi speakers, regardless of their religion or background.

"Representatives from the Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities from Bradford are going to attend as well as people from all over the country."

The event is being funded in part by the Arts Council for England which has supported of the Kavi Darbar over the years.

Performing at this year's Kavi Darbar on Sunday will be Teja Singh Tej Kotlewale, one of the world's most prominent figures in Punjabi literature.

Mr Kotlewale has been published on a wide variety of subject matters and is author of numerous poems, some of which he intends to read from on Sunday.

This will be the second visit to the Kavi Darbar for Mr Kotlewale, who last year ran workshops at the event on how to compose poetry.

The event will have a musical finale with a performance from singer Irene Perveen.

Originally from Pakistan Mrs Perveen now lives in Batley. During the course of her career she has sung in over 150 Bollywood films.

Particular focus this year is to be given to young people. Local poets and performers such as Narinder Kaur and Manjit Singh Cheema will be reading their own works and a workshop will also be held to teach under-16s how to dance to traditional Bangra music.

After the performances have finished free refreshments will be available and those attending will have the opportunity to meet each other as well as the poets and performers themselves.

Mr Sangha said: "The chance to meet at the end is just as important as the performances as it allows people the chance to meet and discuss the performances as well as get the chance to speak Punjabi together."

This year's Kavi Darbar takes place at the Punjab Community Centre on Usher Street on Sunday at 2pm. Entrance is free.