Keighley people could join a leading opera company during the Triumphal March of Verdi's popular grand opera Aida in Halifax on October 2.

Helen Kent and Opera International want 40 extras to join the principals, a hand-crafted bejewelled elephant and a four-metre high dancing water fountain.

The local people will perform with singers from Chisinau National Opera in the story of the beautiful Egyptian slaves and her love for the hero Radames.

Spectacular ballet sequences based on the Temple dancers of Ancient Egypt feature in the traditionally-staged show at the Victoria Theatre.

Anyone wishing to take part -- black actors and family groups are particularly wanted, and children must be aged over ten -- should phone 01634 820226.

Book tickets to watch Aida, at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall, or phone 01422 351158.

n Ilkley Literature Festival will be opened on October 1 by Ian Rankin, the UK's top-selling crime writer, then continue with 84 events over 17 days.

This biggest-ever festival features interviews, discussions, performances, workshops, poetry and authors' events at venues around the town.

Taking part are Alan Bennett, Jamie Oliver, Norman Hunter, William Hague, Tony Benn, David Baddiel, Richard Dawkins, Siddharth Shangvi, Nadeem Aslam, Sandi Toksvig, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jake Arnott and Val McDermid.

There will be a poetry pub crawl and bandstand readings to celebrate National Poetry Day, and a children's weekend on October 9 and October10 with Nick Butterworth, Meg Cabot and Tony Robinson.

Booklet available from Keighley Information Centre in the town hall. Details and bookings on 01943 816714.

n Keighley Amateurs and Skipton Amateurs kick-off an autumn series of productions from societies across the region.

The King and I, the popular Rodgers and Hammerstein show about a governess in Siam, is at Victoria Hall, Keighley, on October 18-23 (01535 652547).

Skipton presents Oliver!, the family show based on Dickens' novel Oliver Twist, at the town hall on October 4-9 (01756 793819).

Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateurs perform a double bill of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore and Trial by Jury on November 16-20 (01535643425).

Sutton Amateurs perform the first pantomime of the season, the traditional family show Aladdin, on December 1-4 at Sutton Village Hall (01535 219705).

White Horse Inn is revived by Bingley Amateurs at the town's Arts Centre on November 15-20 (01274 562988), while Ilkley Amateurs perform Annie on October 25-30.

Settle Amateurs perform Viva Mexico, the light-hearted musical featuring many classic Latin tunes, on October 25-30 (01729 824038).

Guiseley Amateurs and Opera North soloists present a concert version of The Merry Widow on October 30-31 (01943 875644).

Other musicals: Grove and Rawden Theatre Company in Return to the Forbidden Planet at Yeadon Town Hall (November 9-13, 07000 466267), Barnstormers in The Sound of Music at Guiseley Theatre (December 7 -11, 01943 876096).

n International film festival Bite the Mango returns to the National Museum of Photography Film and Television, Bradford, for a week of films from more than 20 countries.

Yasmin, filmed in Keighley and exploring life for British Muslims, is among new movies showing alongside retrospectives, masterclasses and seminars.

British Muslims face torment in Camp X-Ray: Ghosts of Guantanamo, there is political turmoil in India in Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi, Hijacking Catastrophe cuts the 9/11 spin, and a Cambodian baby returns home after 26 years in documentary Belonging.

Other films: Goodbye Dragon Inn, Bollywood Star, Ford Transit, Chaos, Rapid Eye Movement, Into the Mirror, August Sun, Arna's Children, Travellers and Magicians and Khamosh Pani - Silent Waters.

Bite the Mango runs from September 24-30. Dates, times and bookings on 0870 701-0200, or www.bitethemango.org.uk.

n A sensuous and anarchic tale of curiosity and control, invasion and rage, will be staged at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

Kneehigh Theatre, responsible for the acclaimed Red Shoes and Wooden Frock, returns with The Bacchae on September 24 -October 16.

This retelling of Euripides' classic play, for adults and over-12s, looks at people who have tasted pleasure and will defend it at any cost.

Book tickets for the "chilling, seductive, absurd and witty" show -- containing partial nudity, at Keighley Information Centre or phone 0113 213-7700