SKIPTON'S Mart Theatre will celebrate its tenth birthday this year.

It was in the autumn of 2005 that its curtains rose for the first time following a major investment in the main sales ring to provide new seating for up to 300 people, along with new heating and a new high-tech, performing arts-ready lighting system.

Through the week, the ring is used to sell sheep and dairy cattle and then at the weekend it is transformed into what is believed to be the world's only theatre residing in a working auction mart.

And while livestock sales remain at the core of the Craven Cattle Marts' agricultural hub, The Mart Theatre plays a key role in delivering a high quality artistic programme and providing an innovative cultural facility.

These days it is self-funding, with a cash boost coming from its annual in-house Christmas panto.

Over the years, some famous names have performed at the theatre, including Alan Carr, Kevin Bridges, Rich Hall, Rory Bremner, Jon Richardson, Mark Steel, Jeremy Hardy and Michael McIntyre.

The theatre also held a special evening with Sarah Millican just before Christmas as she tried out new material for her upcoming tour.

"Reaching our tenth anniversary has been tough," said artistic director Andy Lynan. "The doors nearly closed in 2012 when all funding was cut. The company simply hadn’t been set up to run without funding.

"At that time I was the youth development officer in charge of events and workshops aimed at young people and we quickly realised that if The Mart Theatre was to continue, we would have to produce our own theatre performances aimed at families with children. We had to go from being a venue for hire to a producing company.

"It’s been a huge change, but a positive one. The theatre is back on its feet and we are already busy working on our popular event Art in the Pen which also turns ten this year. We also have a new event lined up for November this year, Crafts in the Pen.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, The Mart Theatre has a fresh new website, new logo and an updated look for its brochure.

The season kicks off on Sunday, with the Sounds of Simon - a tribute to Simon and Garfunkel.

It will be followed on Friday, March 13, by The Kast Off Kinks, featuring former members of the legendary band, including original drummer Mick Avory, and on Saturday, March 14, by Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates, with special guest Jai McDowall.

Next month's line-up also includes Ellie Taylor on Friday, March 20, with her critically acclaimed fringe show Elliementary.

In April, the programme includes acoustic musicians Trio Gitan, tribute band Keep It Cash, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Rich Seam Theatre's Royal Flush and Library Theatre Touring Company's Wind in the Willows.

Later in the year, there will be a performance by the Singing Farmers and the mart’s Bad Wolf Theatre Company will perform Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.

For more details, visit themarttheatre.org.uk or call 01756 709666.