THE streets of Skipton will be filled with puppet magic again later this year.

The biennial Skipton Puppet Festival will take place from October 2 to 4 after securing funding from Arts Council England.

The festival, England’s largest international puppet festival, receives funding to allow a programme of ambitious, inspiring performances and extensive community participation - a hallmark of the event.

Liz Lempen, one of the festival’s directors, said: “Every year the funding process becomes more competitive as the funding pot reduces, so we see this success as acknowledgement of the important role played by Skipton Puppet Festival both at local, community level and within the arts nationally.”

The festival will once again feature a blend of traditional and experimental puppetry, from hand shadow puppets to digital animation, with the popular giant Puppet Parade weaving through the town centre on the Sunday of the festival.

The team is now busy planning performances from near and far, with the usual mix of free and ticketed events. There will be something for everyone, including families, enthusiasts and puppetry professionals.

As in previous years, the festival team are already working with local schools and community partners to get local people involved in all aspects of the festival – there are opportunities to build puppets, volunteer at events, or even perform in a show.

Tickets go on sale in August and for regular updates, follow the festival on Facebook at facebook.com/skiptonpuppetfestival or visit skiptonpuppetfestival.co.uk