Ghost hunters will carry out paranormal investigations as part of this year's revitalised Keighley Festival, which organisers have promised will be “the greatest show Keighley has ever seen”.

Pennine Paranormal Society will hold two ghost hunts at the old police station cell at the new £1million Civic Centre in North Street and at Keighley Playhouse, where a friendly spirit known as “George” has been seen in the past.

Paranormal Society founder Simon Booth said: “Things have been buzzing for us since we joined the festival. Both venues are extremely exciting and active places to investigate, and with festival coverage, we’ve had a huge response.”

More than 50 events and activities, including rock music and theatre productions, will be held around the town during the week-long festival, which starts on Friday, July 6.

Festival organiser Malcolm Hanson said this year's event had been rebranded and re-invigorated after public spending cuts led to a “modest” festival in 2011.

He said: “The cuts almost killed the festival outright when the event lost its entire budget.

“The answer was to fight back, and without new funding, and using only a very small amount of money, a modest festival took place, but afterwards the organisers fought tooth and nail for every penny for 2012.

“We convinced everyone that with a little help, we could put on the greatest show Keighley has ever seen, and from July 6 to 13, that will be proved!”

As well as large-scale outdoor events, there will be smaller activities such as knitting circles, “get-together” days, model-boat sailing, talks and walks.

There will be new events like the first Keighley Film Festival, open events at Jam on Top and Keighley army cadets, and the world premiere of an orchestra as part of Keighley Festival of Arts, Sport, Music and Dance.

The festival's volunteer organisers have secured a Bradford Council grant similar to previous years, of about £14,000.

The money has paid for small grants for community groups to put on shows and activities.

Mr Hanson said: “While rival festivals have often gone for attracting big names in order to impress, Keighley has always said it is a community event, and the stars are Keighley people.

“Keighley has all the talent it needs: we’ve got artists, sportsmen, musicians and dancers – why would we need to bring in outside talent?”

Festival programmes are available from Keighley Town Hall, the library and the Keighley News office; the Festival shop in Queensway in the Airedale centre; or keighleyfestival.co.uk.