THE 35th Grassington Festival will be a 'sensational' birthday celebration, supporters were told at its launch event in the village.

Director Kate Beard said the Dales-based art and music showcase, taking place from June 12 to 27, would engage the whole range of senses with elements including performance, concerts, talks, food and drink.

And she had good news on the financial side for her audience at Grassington Town Hall, revealing that it had just been confirmed that a major grant would be given to the festival again this year.

"This year we are celebrating 35 years of bringing great art for all to our little village in the Yorkshire Dales," she said, reminding supporters of the many accolades the festival had won in recent years.

"It's a big birthday this year," she said. "The festival programme is full of sensation."

She ran through some of the variety of acts due to make an appearance during the fortnight, from the comedy of 'pub landlord' Al Murray to the deceptively simple poetry of Pam Ayres, from talks by former journalist and MP Martin Bell and Baroness Shirley Williams to an evening of conversation and music with singer Barbara Dickson.

For lovers of classical music the treats to savour would include a Last Night of the Proms event hosted by actor Robert Powell, while pieces popular with children - such as Peter and the Wolf - would be played in the Festival in the Field Marquee.

Acts like folk band Bellowhead would help to cater for other musical tastes, while Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals and special guests Heaven 17 would be seeing the festival to its close with the Last Night Party.

Before that there would be many opportunities for public participation, including workshops on blacksmithing, drystone walling and photography, the chance to take part in artwork and singing, and there would be a piano positioned in Grassington's Square for the duration of the festival for anyone to use - though Kate asked would-be pianists to be considerate of the neighbours.

She also reminded supporters of the costs of staging a major festival. "It's a 15-day festival, but it's a year-round operation preparing and planning for it," she said.

Some events generated more ticket sales than others, and funding was needed to ensure variety was maintained. "We want to ensure we deliver eclectic festival for all," she said.

The festival had previously received Arts Council funding, though this was not guaranteed to continue each year.

"I'm hugely relieved to tell you this evening that we have received a grant from the Arts Council," she said.

On a lighter note, she encouraged supporters to enjoy the festival's own ale during the event, helping to bring more cash into its coffers.

Kate thanked the festival's friends and supporters, saying: "Together we all make it happen. Here's to a sensational festival this summer."

For further information on the 2015 Grassington Festival go to www.grassington-festival.org.uk/