A MAJOR new project will celebrate Keighley's shopping heritage – and spotlight the businesses of today.

People will be able to step back in time for a weekend to experience those 'bygone' days on the high street.

An arts trail and 'alternative' department store are being set-up, featuring many independent retailers.

Behind the K-Town Shopper initiative is the team responsible for Ramp Revamp, the project which has revitalised the area beneath the car park ramp in Hanover Street.

Keighley Creative, with AG Studios, will transform the town centre on March 26 and 27.

Areas including Church Green and North Street will be 'reimagined', with outdoor galleries and performance spaces showcasing the talents of eight creatives.

In addition to the arts trail, the alternative department store will open in the former Sunwin House building at Hanover Street ­­– between 10am and 5pm on the Saturday, and 11am to 4pm the following day.

A spokesperson said: "The reaction to Ramp Revamp was incredible – it really got people talking about the best way to breathe new life into neglected spaces. One thing that was clear from people’s feedback was that they wanted Ramp Revamp to be the start of something big for Keighley – which is where the idea for the K-Town Shopper project stemmed from.

"People often talk to us about Keighley’s 'heyday' – a time when any given weekend was a hive of activity, with groups of teenagers queuing to use the photo booth in Boots, families browsing the latest releases in Blockbuster on Cavendish Street and little ones nagging for pick 'n' mix in 'Woolies'. So we decided to bring those days back – for one weekend at least!

"As well as being a great day out in its own right, the major aim of the interactive arts trail is to highlight all our amazing independent shops."

Free maps of the trail will be distributed to participating businesses prior to the event.

The spokesperson added: "Our alternative department store is going to make visitors feel like they’ve stepped back to a time when a trip into town was the only way to spend a Saturday. We’re talking places to grab a bite to eat, nostalgic decor and of course a whole host of brilliant bargains from independent retailers.

"This project is all about celebrating Keighley’s beloved shopping past, whilst shining a light on the fantastic businesses that exist today."