Main events

Start your festival with a colourful carnival party! Prepare to be dazzled by a “blooming marvellous” array of costumes, decorated floats and dancing, which will be performed by participants from local schools and clubs, who have taken part in six weeks of workshops.

Drummers and dancers from the fabulous Honeydrum World Music Collective will lead the parade with flourishing rhythms and moves.

The parade will be followed by the opening ceremony after which the square becomes an open air dance floor for some square dancing to funky band Last Chance Saloon.

Parade starts: Hebden Road Car Park, Grassington, 5.30pm; opening ceremony: The Square, 6.30pm

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers

The UK’s first and only Taiko drumming group bring Japanese beats to Grassington with their stunning show, Way of the Drum. What better way to open the festival fortnight, than with the thundering rhythms of huge taiko drums, interwoven with delicate, expressive shinobue bamboo flute, masked dance and layers of subtle percussive soundscapes?

Town Hall, Grassington, 8pm.

Saturday, June 18

Music in the Square

The Square will be transformed into an outdoor concert hall for lively performances by Bradford Grammar School Concert Band at 10.30 am, Langcliffe Singers at 1pm and Harrogate Youth Jazz Orchestra at 2pm The Square, Grassington, 10.30am to 4pm Phillip Higham Accomplished Edinburgh-born cellist Phillip Higham is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most prominent young rising stars. The recital will be followed by afternoon tea.

St Margaret Clitherow Church, Threshfield, 3pm

Peatbog Faeries

Live and direct from the Isle of Skye, this well-loved, wild and wonderful Celtic folk band promise to lift spirits with their unique blend of high-energy, up-tempo, pulse-racing beats, delivered with a touch of magic! The Peatbog Faeries are masters of contemporary Celtic fusion.

Grassington Town Hall, 8pm

Saturday, June 18 and Saturday, June 25

Linton Camp: The Correct Frequency for Stories

Site-specific drama from award-winning theatre company Slung Low. For two nights only, Slung Low will provide the right frequencies, the correct equipment to allow you to listen in to the vibrations still held within this extraordinary place which has in its time provided shelter to many profoundly moving stories.

An outdoor adventure for those looking for whispered stories. There will be three performances per evening Meet point: outside The Devonshire Hotel, The Square, Grassington, where the audience will be transported and returned to and from the venue. Times: 9.15pm, 10.15pm and 11.15pm

Sunday, June 19

Festival service

Enjoy a moment of calm and tranquillity amid the festival’s fun as the community comes together to celebrate and give thanks through ecumenical worship. This all-inclusive service is open to members of all faiths. Grassington Town Hall, 11am

Festival Challenge: A Day at the Races

The Square will be transformed into a race course for a series of pantomime horse races culminating in Grassington’s very own Grand National. Prizes for the first to romp home, the best turned out horse and, of course, to the best dressed lady. All entries must be registered in advance. After the races Dales Jam will perform music from Brazil, Jamaica, The Balkans, Cuba, Trinidad and New York.

Grassington Main Street, with judging at noon and races from 2pm.

Meghann Clancy

Enjoy the luxury of dining while listening to this captivating young pianist and singer songwriter from 7pm or on keyboards in the bar from 9pm Grassington House Hotel

I Flautisti: Recorders with Attitude!

The London recorder quartet delivers an inspirational repertoire with imagination and creativity! This is recorder playing as you’ve never heard it before! With a programme described as East Meets West, I Flautisti mix early and contemporary folk and dance with a baroque flavour. Scargill House, Kettlewell, 8pm.

Lemn Sissay: Tender Fingers In A Clenched Fist

A whirlwind tour through the poetry with poet in residence Lemn Sissay. Twenty five years a writer, Lemn is a truly renowned performance poet, playwright and author of five collections of poetry.

He has worked with the BBC on the series “Internal Flight” about the search for his father. Also look out for Lemn’s public art poetry around the village throughout the festival.

Monday, June 20

An Evening with Lesley Garrett

The UK’s favourite voice needs no introduction around these parts! She’s a Yorkshire girl herself. As one of Britain’s best loved sopranos, she’s won both critical acclaim and the affection of many fans and music lovers.

Grassington Town Hall, 8pm TICKETS SOLD OUT

Tuesday, June 21

Classic Buskers

The Classic Buskers, Michael Copley and Ian Moore delight audiences with their virtuosity and dry humour, by treating some of the post popular classics with hilarious arrangements and a medley of over 40 instruments!

Skipton Castle Banqueting Hall, 7pm.

Jerry Harmon: Smoky Mountain Gypsy

Deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge/ Appalachian mountain chain in North Carolina, Jerry, the “Smoky Mountain Gypsy”, was born into a family rich in the tradition of storytelling and music. Blues and stories at their best, Octagon Theatre, Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Alan Barnes Octet

The revered jazz saxophonist Alan Barnes brings a new all-star octet to Grassington for a swinging evening of Duke Ellington classics. For this superb night, Alan has assembled a line-up of co-conspirators Tony Coe, Andy Panayi, Andy Wood, Bruce Adams, John Horler, Alec Dankworth and Mike Smith. Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Wednesday, June 22

Benjamin Grosvenor

The hugely-acclaimed pianist, known for his sensitivity of touch, musicality and poeticism, comes to Grassington to play a programme of Scarlatti and Chopin. Benjamin was first described as “a child prodigy in for the long haul”. Now, he is internationally recognised for his electrifying performances and penetrating interpretations. Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Poetry, Paninis, Pinot and Peroni!

An open and informal evening for all those who write and enjoy the magic of poetry. Bring along your own work to share with friends old and new, while enjoying a famous Café Maison panini supper.

Café Maison, Main Street, Grassington, 7pm,

Thursday, June 23

Flamenco Pasiòn with Sandra La Espuelita

Flamenco and Tapas extravaganza featuring Sandra La Espuelita (of Strictly Come Dancing fame) and her London Flamenco dance company, Flamenco Pasion. Bring your exotic appetites and dancing feet to a wonderful tapas-style dinner provided by the renowned Angel Inn at Hetton interspersed with hot footed flamenco. Cracoe Village Hall, 6.30pm.

Wildhogs @ The Foresters

Wildhogs are a rock and roll band in the true sense of the word. When you hear the Hogs play you will realise that the music is as fresh today as the day it was first performed. The Foresters Arms, Main Street, Grassington, 8.30pm

Chris Beardshaw: The Flying Gardener

Plant yourself in the Town Hall to enjoy an evening of green fingered anecdotes and advice with one of the UK’s highly rated garden designers Chris Beardshaw, famous for his appearances on Gardeners World, Hidden Gardens and Gardeners Question Time. Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Friday, June 24

Wangdangdoodle

A night of spirited revelry from Wangdangdoodle. Expect nothing less!

The Old Hall Inn, Threshfield, 8pm.

Spiers and Boden

Spontaneous punky folk from twice-winners of the Radio 2 Folk Awards. Loud, proud, and with just a handful of acoustic instruments, the founders of Bellowhead create a multitude of textures upon which they present traditional stories and dance music which are as much at home on a big festival stage as they are in a lock-in at the local pub. Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Saturday, June 25

Street Theatre, Music and Art

Look out for crazy antics and colourful costumes as Grassington buzzes with a mixture of music, merriment and mayhem. Highlights include music from the Congo with Kanda Bongo Man band, performances from The Demon Barbers, imove on the street. Artizani’s Desert Island Discs, wandering wallflower Petal, circus artiste Fatt Matt and an arts and crafts open air market. Grassington Square, 10.30am to 5.30pm .

The Robinson Brothers

Talented local brothers Nick and Chris Robinson provide their own take on modern pop and rock. A party atmosphere is guaranteed.

The Devonshire Hotel, The Square, Grassington, 9pm .

Kanda Bongo Man

Vocalist and bandleader Kanda Bongo Man, one of the giants in modern African pop, is a pioneer and superstar of modern Congolese soukous – joyful and uplifting dance music that combines African traditional melodies with African-rooted rhythms. He has been at the heart of the Parisian soukous scene since the 1980s, and popularised kwassa kwassa, the infectious Congolese dance style where the hips move back and forth while the hands move to follow the hips. Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Sunday, June 26

Dancing on the Green

The Fraylach Spielers Klezmer Band will provide Klezmer music to make you dance and there is no prettier setting than the village green at Linton.

Linton Village Green, 2pm.

Navarra String Quartet

This outstanding quartet, famed for its Haydn interpretations, bring their warmly rounded, expressive sound to Grassington. Formed in 2002 at The Royal Northern College of Music, under the late Dr Christopher Rowland, this young ensemble understands music down to the microsecond and plays at a level that’s been described as exceptional.

Scargill House, Kettlewell, 8pm.

A Celebration of Jane Austen

Respected film and TV actors Robert Powell and Elizabeth Garvie take you into Jane Austen’s world. No writer, with the exception of Shakespeare, stands higher in public esteem and affection than Jane Austen. This celebration is for those who have always loved her, and for those who would like to know more about the enigmatic figure behind the popular image of bonnets, tea and gentility. With music from Clive Conway (flute) and Christine Croshaw (piano). Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Monday, June 27

The Edwardian Farm Roadshow

We all enjoyed watching archaeologists Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn and historian Ruth Goodman bring Morwellham Quay in Devon back to life as it was in its Edwardian heyday. Now hear the real story of how they all worked their socks off for a whole year. A fascinating insight into life behind the cameras. Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Lee Evans

Join Lee Evans for this special show as he tries out new material for his forthcoming Roadrunner arena tour of the UK and Ireland. Lee’s manic energy, uncanny observations, hilarious delivery and side-splitting material have made his live performances a must-see for comedy fans worldwide. Festival Marquee, Hebden Road, Grassington, 8pm.

Tuesday, June 28

Kate Rusby

The coolest contemporary folk voice around, Kate Rusby performs with an ancient warmth, universal appeal, talent, and passion of her ancestors, that’s won her acclaim throughout Europe and the United States. She’s a shining star of the UK folk scene. Supporting artist: Tom Figgins a talented young singer songwriter. Festival Marquee, Hebden Road, Grassington, 8pm.

Gentle Jazz

Join Grassington;s favourite for an evening of much loved jazz featuring Dee Doyle on vocals. Devonshire Hotel, Grassington, 8.30pm.

Wednesday, June 29

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a group of all-singing, all-strumming ukulele players, which believes that all genres of music are available for reinterpretation, as long as they are played on the ukulele!

A funny, virtuosic, twanging, awesome, foot-stomping obituary of rock ‘n’ roll and melodious light entertainment. Festival Marquee, Hebden Road, Grassington, 8pm. TICKETS SOLD OUT.

Thursday, June 30

I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue

Now in its 54th series, the legendary antidote to panel games “I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue” has earned its place in comedy history and the hearts of BBC Radio Four listeners. Chairman Jack Dee and his teams of celebrity guests will be swapping their BBC studio for the festival marquee to treat the Grassington audience to an historic night of laughter. Festival Marquee, Hebden Road, Grassington, 8pm. TICKETS SOLD OUT.

Friday, July 1

The Fantastic Mr Fox

Illyria Outdoor Theatre gives an outdoor performance of its adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox. The story follows Mr Fox as he tries to stay one step ahead of cruel farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. Come well equipped for the British weather! Bolton Abbey Priory Grounds, 6pm.

Gerry & The Pacemakers and The Searchers

Get ready for a nostalgic evening from this double-bill of 60s legends! Two of our finest exports bring the sounds of the sixties to life in Grassington. The Searchers’ classic hits include Sweets For My Sweet and Sugar and Spice while Ferry Across the Mersey and You’ll Never Walk Alone keep Gerry and The Pacemakers forever in the hearts of pop and football fans the world over! Festival Marquee, Hebden Road, Grassington, 8pm.

Saturday, July 2

Music in the Square

Yet more free music in the Square. First Barnoldswick Brass Band bring traditional sounds of summer followed by more unconventional funky ska band Skavolution at 2pm. The Square, Grassington, 10.30am to 4pm.

Last Night Party: Disco Inferno

Get your dancing shoes on and join stars of the 70s Boney M, The Real Thing and Rose Royce as they bring the festival to a funky disco finale!

Festival Marquee, Hebden Road, Grassington, from 6.30pm. TICKETS SOLD OUT.