COMMEMORATIONS of Anne Brontë’s bicentennial began with a knees up in the old gal’s honour.

Brontë lovers in Haworth and Thornton – where the famous author was born – hosted the 200th birthday party.

Revellers descended on the Delius Arts and Cultural Centre in Bradford for an evening of live music, poetry and dancing. The line-up featured musicians, poets and DJs, and people attending were able to try their hand at DIY crafts like let making badges and magazines.

Attractions included a vegan pop-up stall and a bar serving specially-made Anne Brontë punch.

The festivities were dreamed by the Brontë Parsonage Museum and Thornton’s South Square Centre.

A museum spokesman said: “Anne is often thought of as the ‘other Brontë’, less famous than her sisters Charlotte and Emily, but she was a talented novelist, poet, visual artist and musician.

“This event was inspired by her creativity and the conviction with which she held her beliefs.”

The following day the Parsonage Museum hosted its annual Parsonage Wrapped event where literature enthusiasts could go behind the scenes during the museum’s annual closed period.

The museum reopened last Saturday with the star attraction being a year-long exhibition devoted to Anne, entitled Amid the Brave and Strong.

The spokesman said: “Anne’s life and work have had much less exploration than those of her sisters. The new exhibition delves into key elements of Anne’s life, from her childhood at the Parsonage to how her legacy has been shaped by others since her death.

“Anne’s strong moral beliefs led her to write for purpose as well as pleasure, something which shocked and excited her readers.

Anne’s novels include The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, considered to be one of the first sustained feminist novels in English literature.

Highlights of the exhibition include Anne’s poignant last letter, Charlotte’s first ‘little book’ written specially for Anne, a copy of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall that Anne gave a close friend, and a portrait of Anne by Charlotte along with the carnelian necklace worn by her in the picture.

Visit bronte.org.uk for information about events during Anne’s year.