THE National Youth Girls’ Choir is bringing its Summerfest to Settle

The choir - one of five that makes up the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (NYCGB) - will take up residence at Giggleswick School for a residential course, three concerts and a public open day.

Every year, the choir travels to different venues around the UK for their courses and concerts, and this summer the 150-strong National Youth Girls’ Choir and their music director Esther Jones will make their base in North Craven from Tuesday until Saturday, July 30.

During this time, there will be lots of opportunities for talented young singers in the area to find out more about joining NYCGB and to see the National Youth Girls’ Choir perform.

Next Thursday, July 28. there will be a free open morning from 10.30am until 12.45pm where guests will be given an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ look at rehearsals and receive their own singing warm-up from NYCGB’s skilled music staff.

Anyone who is interested can sign up at NYCGB’s website, nycgb.org.uk

Next Friday, from 2pm until 2.45pm, the choristers will give a free pop-up concert, serenading shoppers and passers-by in Settle Market Place, and next Saturday, Jthe National Youth Girls’ Choir will give two concerts in the Richard Whiteley Theatre at Giggleswick School, starting at 2pm (juniors) and 3.30pm (seniors).

These will feature a colourful selection of world music from Macedonia and Mexico, and a new composition by Howard Blake, known and loved by millions for his haunting theme to The Snowman.

Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for under 25s and are available from the Richard Whiteley Theatre box office on 01729 893180, email rwt@giggleswick.org.uk or visit giggleswick.org.uk/rwt