Up to 8,000 children from across the Bradford district will power a unique event inspired by the Tour de France, Grand Depart, in City Park this summer.

Pupils will take part in Kinetrics, an activity where pedalling is used to harness sustainable energy, to power the MAD (Music, Art and Dance) Day 2 – The Return on June 26 and 27.

Bradford Council’s Music & Arts Service, alongside the PE & School Sport Service, has created the schools extravaganza to celebrate the 2014 Grand Depart through song, dance, cycling and environmentally-friendly power generation.

The programme includes musical performances and the chance to join in visual art and mass-singing and dancing routines all linked to the cycling theme.

Children will perform one-minute shifts on 40 pedal-powered generators to help boost the sound system for the event, with pupils also using hand-cranked roundabouts and see-saws to keep the energy flowing.

Artwork for the celebration has been designed by pupils inspired by Bradford’s German twin city of Moenchangladbach, with large elephants set be decorated over the two days, and then exhibited around the city after the event.

MAD Day 2 – The Return will be hosted by actor and presenter Chris Clarkson.

Tony Johnson, the head of Bradford Council’s Music & Arts Service, said as well as giving pupils the opportunity to be part of an historic event, the process would teach them about the value and importance of sustainable energy production.

“This is an excellent way for the district’s young people to be involved in an historic event such as the Grand Depart,” he said. “Schools will soon be rehearsing for what will be a mega singing, dancing and artistic event.”

Strategic director of Children’s Services at the council Michael Jameson said: “This is a great opportunity for the district’s pupils to come together and celebrate the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire, and is an experience they will never forget.”

The Tour de France comes to the Bradford district on July 5 and 6, with spectator hubs in venues such as Keighley, Haworth, Skipton,Otley and Ilkley, expected to attract thousands of fans to the area.