CROWDS of young dancers led a Flash Mob in Keighley town centre.

The mass dance-off brought this year’s Keighley Festival to a colourful end last Saturday.

Several local dance groups had prepared a routine based on Take That’s hit single Shine.

Malcolm Hanson, a leading light of the festival, said: “The Airedale centre was buzzing.

“A band performing Shine was the signal for dance troupes to appear from nowhere, performing a stylish and energetic routine.

“With children from the ages of four to 16 taking part, it had the spectators shouting for more.”

The Flash Mob, organised by Brian Leach from Keighley’s Jam on Top music centre, publicised a festival called ShineFest to be held in Central Hall on October 4.

Mr Hanson said this year’s six-day festival was a success despite problems with late funding, and last Thursday’s teacher strike meaning four schools had to pull out of the annual youth concert One Amazing Nigh.

Mr Hanson said: “Crowds – perhaps still basking in the fun of the Grand Depart – flocked to many of the events on offer.”

The annual One Amazing Night children’s concert at Victoria Hall took place despite four schools pulling out due to the teacher strike.

The largest event of the festival was a fun day at East Riddlesden Hall, which attracted must 400 schoolchildren.

Pupils from St Anne’s and Our Lady of Victories primary schools premiered their film Built On Faith at Keighley Picture House, complete with red carpet and the best outfits.

Festival spokesman Simon Booth said: “I have never seen anything like it, so much bling and big hair – it was wonderful, and the film was truly astonishing.

“I was so impressed we have already commissioned the film to be distributed to all schools in the district in the hope the event can be repeated next year.”

Festival stalwart Deryck Feather hosted a tea dance in the Airedale shopping centre on Friday, applauded by a large crowd.

Keighley Festival’s main art installation for this year was a throne of swords inspired by the TV series Game of Thrones.

So many people wanted to sit on the throne that it was collapsed, and had been taken to the tip after festival.

Plans for next year bosses Keighley Festival are now underway. Anyone wishing to take part should contact Malcolm Hanson on 01756 798730 or email malcolm.b.hanson@gmail.com.