Festival mastermind meets minister

Bradford will lead the "Festival of Britain"

The man behind Bradford's unsuccessful bid to become the European Capital of Culture is meeting with the Culture Secretary to plan a nationwide festival.

Paul Brookes has been invited to London by Tessa Jowell to discuss leading the event in 2008 which will involve the 12 cities which originally entered the race to become Capitals of Culture.

Bradford failed to reach the shortlist for the competition despite critical acclaim for its bid.

Mr Brookes intends to build upon the interest generated by the original competition and said: "There was a fantastic momentum during the bidding process."

Draft proposals

"There were real benefits for the people of the district in terms of transforming its image and working with communities to build bridges which are very much needed within Bradford.

"What we have to do now is find new ways of taking the campaign forward."

The "Festival of Britain" is expected to bring tourists flooding to the region.

Mr Brookes will complete his draft proposals for the event for consideration by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport next month.