A GARDEN party was held at Cliffe Castle Gardens in Keighley on Sunday after its grand opening had to be delayed due to construction still being unfinished.

An all-singing, all-dancing celebration had been planned to signal the end of the renovation project, but it had to be put on hold as some features of the gardens are unfinished.

The new aviary, pond, and café are not ready, leading to the event being postponed, however the planned music festival, organised by the Cliffe Castle Conservation Group, went ahead as scheduled at the gardens’ new bandstand.

The renovation project has cost £4.5 million, funded by Bradford Council and the Heritage Lottery.

Once work is finished, the celebration event will go ahead as planned.

Conservation Group spokesman Philip Rushworth said local people had come to expect a family music event in the park during the summer.

He said that as a result the garden party was designed with something for everybody, with music throughout the park.

He said: “Performances by Rainbow Morris Dancers and AW Dance were a nostalgic delight for anybody with fond memories of the shows local dance schools used to be put on at the bandstand.

“The Chris White Jazz Trio entertained the crowds outside the museum whilst at the bandstand music was provided by the Demon Barbers, Stig of the Dub and the Vintage Vocalist with The Gramophone DJ rounding off the day.

“Musicians also serenaded visitors in the newly restored rose gardens.”

Cliffe Castle Museum stayed open until 6pm, where visitors had fun taking photographs of themselves as the Butterfield family – who originally owned the building – with a specially-created ‘carnival board’.

Out in the park, visitors were able to play croquet and find out about bees at the Bee Keepers stall.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Abid Hussain, gave a speech praising the show’s organisers, then mingled with the crowds.

Mr Rushworth said the garden party was a huge success, with weather better than forecast and even moments of sunshine.

He added: “We hope the day has showcased the park as a venue for great family entertainment. We know people enjoy coming to big summer events in Cliffe Castle so hope this year’s garden party keeps that tradition alive.”

Sunday also saw the launch of a new art exhibition at the museum by Deborah Rehmat, who is a member of Cliffe Castle Park Conservation Group.

Her sketches provide a unique chronicle of the restoration work that has been going on in the park.

The display which also includes finds unearthed during the renovation. It runs until January 14.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and culture, said that holding the garden party meant people could have two bites of the cherry.

She added: "They could enjoy the music, and the completed park work, and then return at a later date to enjoy the celebrations of the park fully refurbished.”