SKIPTON Music is back for its 61st season and its programme will be bigger than ever before.

The society began in 1947 and brings a variety of international and national musicians to the town.

It usually holds six concerts per season, but this year there will be seven.

Concerts secretary Bunty Leder said: "We just couldn't resist another show."

The society's pre-season concert is on Tuesday October 2 at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, and features Australian group Flinders Quartet.

All other concerts are held in Skipton Town Hall.

The Martindale and Roberts Quartets will take centre stage on November 20, while the Swingle Singers will perform at a Christmas concert on December 4.

The new year starts with Elizabethan music from the York Waits on January 15.

This will be followed with a concert by soprano Elizabeth Watts on February 5.

Elizabeth was one of 25 finalists in the Cardiff Singer of the World competition this year. She has also won the Rosenblatt Recital Song Prize.

"We pride ourselves on choosing up and coming artistes and she is going to be world-famous," said Mrs Leder.

Elizabeth will perform alongside pianist Roger Vognoles.

There is another treat on March 18 when international pianist Kathryn Stott returns to her Skipton roots with cellist Natalie Clein.

For further information, or to buy tickets for the concerts, telephone 01756 799912 or email Skipton.Music@ totalise.co.uk