THIS summer the 2017 Grassington Festival will play host to a diverse mix of events focusing on the central concept of Explore.

The festival, now in its 37th year, will provide opportunities for audiences of all ages to enjoy a programme of theatre, music, comedy, talks, art exhibitions, guided walks, literature and creative workshops taking place from June 16 to July 1.

The festival kicks off in Grassington Square on the opening weekend of June 17 and 18 with a procession and a mix of music and dance together with cookery demonstrations and science explorations.

During that weekend, everyone in the community and beyond is encouraged to come together in the square to celebrate The Great Get Together in honour of Jo Cox.

The 2017 festival embraces experiences for families and young audiences across the fortnight; Sean Kempton’s STUFF will delight and Morgan and West’s magic is sure to amaze everyone from ages five to 105.

The idyllic setting of the Cavendish Pavilion Grounds will provide the backdrop to Illyria’s performance of The Emperor’s New Clothes

This year Live at the Festival Hall welcomes a line up of five stand-up comedians during one evening of entertainment at the Festival Hall.

Classical music lovers are certain to enjoy the gala concert with Raphael Wallfisch, Ben Crick and the Skipton Building Society Camerata performed in Bolton Abbey Priory, as well as an afternoon of Beethoven and Bartok at Scargill House in Kettlewell presented by the Heath Quartet.

A selection of live music catering for all tastes will kick off in the field marquee with national icon, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, who return to Grassington after a sell-out performance in 2013.

The award-winning jazz singer and BBC Radio 2 broadcaster, Clare Teal, performing with her 17 piece Hollywood Orchestra led by Guy Barker, celebrates Ella Fitzgerald’s centenary year with an evening of music.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will provide entertainment, dead-pan British humour and foot-tapping music.

The festival will welcome singer/songwriter Newton Faulkner with support from Holy Moly and the Crackers and the festival fortnight comes to a spectacular finale with a headline performance by the 80’s pop sensations, Bananarama, supported by Leeds band, The Opera Comic and Back Chat Brass.

Tickets go on general sale from April 10, with priority booking for Festival Friends from April 3.

For a full programme of festival events, details about how to become a Friend and to book tickets, visit grassington-festival.org.uk