KEIGHLEY Business Improvement District (BID) has enjoyed a hugely-successful year.

A string of events has helped boost visitor numbers to the town centre.

And BID bosses are already planning activities – old favourites and new attractions – for next year.

Manager Paul Howard said: “We’ve had a wide range of events for the whole family this year.

“Not only does this help the town centre, but also the businesses by bringing in more visitors.

“We’ve started to plan for 2019 and hope to bring something new and exciting to the town centre, as well as some familiar favourites.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of this year’s events, whether it be the organisers or the people visiting the town centre and getting involved.”

The year began with the ever-popular Keighley Kids Theatre Day.

Youngsters were able to take part in various song and dance workshops, led by performing arts school Stage 84.

It was followed by a new draw, a bushtucker cafe, where presenters Will and Al Catchit gave shoppers the chance to sample jungle ‘treats’ – from chocolate-covered ants to beetles and water bugs.

In April and March there was an Easter egg hunt, between the Airedale Shopping Centre and Cavendish Street.

And giant inflatables took over Church Green.

Summer activities kicked-off with the bi-annual Independents Campaign, which sees shoppers collect stamps at participating businesses. There is a top prize of £1,000 in vouchers, and five £100 voucher awards.

Keighley by the Sea created waves once again in July, when 17 tonnes of sand were used to create an indoor beach at the shopping centre.

The beach remained in situ throughout the summer holidays, giving children the chance to build sandcastles and pose for photos in a giant deckchair.

October saw a range of Creepy Keighley activities to mark Hallowe’en, and the year was rounded-off with the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights. Leading the event was 80s pop sensation Sonia, who also sang a selection of her hits, and it culminated with a fireworks display organised by locally-based Optimum Fireworks.

For more details about Keighley BID events, visit discoverkeighley.co.uk or search Discover Keighley on social media.