The district's diverse communities are being urged to come together to show off Bradford's rich history in a mammoth musical.

Bradford: The People's Musical - which has been dubbed a mini-Edinburgh Festival - will include a series of productions in locations across the district, celebrating each area and its residents' history.

And the month-long event, which will be staged in the summer of 2005 at a cost of £300,000, will culminate in a huge musical to bring all sections of the community together.

The grand finale will be looking at the district's present and future.

Now organisers Artworks and socio-dramatist Ron Weiner are calling on Bradfordians to bring their ideas and knowledge to a public meeting at the Victoria Hotel, in Bridge Street, Bradford, tomorrow from 4.30pm to 6pm.

"The stories and history depicted in the plays are totally in the hands of the people of Bradford who come forward to get involved," said Shipley-based Artworks director Bev Morton.

"There's so much to go at here in Bradford, there's a lot to shout about.

"From the immigrant groups that have come here and their story, to the industrial history of Bradford, and how the city is renowned for its curry houses.

"There are also specific stories such as the Cottingley Fairies, Sir Titus Salt and his mill in Saltaire, the famous Bronte sisters in Haworth and the history of Jowett cars.

"We also have Bradford City and Bradford Bulls and on a more local level a youth group in Thorpe Edge may want to tell their own story, and a big estate may want to put its story across."

Mr Weiner said he hoped as many groups and individuals as possible got involved. The aim is to raise the profile of the district both nationally and regionally and show everyone the rich cultural heritage of Bradford," he said.

About 70 artists, directors and writers will be employed for a year to work with communities and help them show their story through music and drama.

This initial stage to form a steering group will cost about £25,000 and has been funded by the Arts Council, Yorkshire Forward, Bradford Council, Community Cohesion and Bradford City Primary Care Trust.

Miss Morton said the musical was the biggest community arts event they had been involved with since they were set up about six years ago.

"There's a place for everyone and we want people to come and tell us their story and about their community," she said. Further funding will be obtained through a variety of grants and bids.

People with business and fundraising skills are also urged to take part.