YOUNG explorers descended on a Keighley museum and park – and discovered a wealth of things to do.

An Explore Keighley weekend was staged to encourage people to sample what Cliffe Castle and the town offers.

And despite wet weather affecting visitor numbers yesterday, organisers have hailed the event as a success.

A pop-up cinema yesterday featured two family films, on a large screen in front of the bandstand.

And today there was a garden party, with free family fun and entertainment.

The event – staged by Bradford Council’s museums and parks departments, in partnership with Keighley Town Council – was inspired by the exhibition, A Yorkshireman’s Travels, currently on display at Cliffe Castle Museum.

Costumed characters, including museum mascot Bracewell the Dragon and several explorers from the past, mingled with visitors.

Henry Isaac Butterfield was joined by Keighley’s very own Victorian explorer, Herbert Morley, as well as Charles Darwin and famous female explorers Gertrude Bell and Edith Durham.

Members of Rock Choir performed on the bandstand.

There was brass band music, face painting and a mini funfair.

Street theatre was provided in the form of HMS Punafore.

Key Stage One schoolchildren who have been taking part in museum workshops based on A Yorkshireman’s Travels were invited to attend the garden party to share their experiences.

The youngsters learned about explorers and other cultures during the project and compiled their own sketchbooks.

Families were invited to take along picnics to enjoy in the park.

Dan Palmer, heritage parks officer with Bradford Council, said: "It was very wet yesterday – which affected the numbers attending – but we had some hardy folk turn up and enjoy it all the same, and today was brilliant.

"The event was a great example of how Bradford Council and the town council can work together for the good of the people, and the town mayor Councillor Peter Corkindale has been here speaking to visitors.

"It's been a great success.

"It has really brought the A Yorkshireman's Travels exhibition to life."

Heather Millard, social history curator at the museum, was playing the role of Queen Victoria – and she was amused!

"It's been a wonderful weekend – with lots of fun and laughter," she said.

In the conservatory, there were craft activities, with the children making telescopes for their own exploring and writing postcards.