The UK Autoharp Association will hold a three-day festival in Gargrave.

This is a new type of event for the association and has been made possible thanks to support from the Arts Council of England and Gargrave Village Hall.

It will start with a sing-around in the Masons Arms at 7pm on Friday, May 31, followed by a day of workshops on Saturday, June 1, culminating with a grand concert, Autoharp and Friends, in the village hall in the evening.

It will feature tutors Nadine and Ian White, Guy Padfield and Mike Fenton, plus the Kilcawley Family, who have had great success touring all over the country.

The concert will also include a spot dedicated to the local 19th century poet, Robert Story, with world premieres of new musical settings of some of his poetry and other performances featuring the autoharp in unusual settings.

On Sunday, June 2, the musicians will play at a service in St Andrew’s Church and then at the Masons Arms.

“The emphasis of the event will be on how the autoharp can play with others,” said an association spokesman.

“A lot of work has gone into getting the ‘others’ – the local folk music community – involved, so we are hoping for a great turnout.”

The workshops cost £20, with free admission to the concert, and concert tickets cost £2. For details, visit ukautoharps.org.uk