Festival fringe

An evening with Simon Kelly, a great songwriter singing his own beautiful, handcrafted songs of love, loss and amongst other things, Saltaire! Between sets and songs there’s some famously good poems and chat from York-based poet, Richard Eccles. The Black Horse Hotel, Grassington, 7.30pm.

Saturday, June 18

Sward! The Story of a Meadow

Young farmer Jason Drysdale is out on his quad bike when he spots botany student Jemima Foxley crawling through the grass verge at the side of a minor road. With his interest aroused on many levels he makes the first move. Mysteriously, fate then intervenes to take them both on a fabulous journey. Burnsall Village Hall, 7pm.

Sunday, June 19

Raven

Raven – mysterious, diverse, earthy and spirited – present a unique blend of music through their haunting harmonies and crunchy chords. They will create a tapestry of life, love and laughter. The Octagon, Town Hall, Grassington, 2pm.

Wednesday, June 22

Simon Widdowson

From his roots in Yorkshire, singer/songwriter Simon Widdowson moved to America and performed 200 concerts a year on acoustic guitar and vocals. Absorbing the musical heritage of the Alt-Country of the Midwestern States, the folk music of the south and the indie rock of the Northwest, he now returns home after 20 years to play his first shows in England. The Black Horse Hotel, Grassington, 8.30pm.

Thursday, June 23

Jason Feddy and Patsy Matheson

Jason and Patsy exploded into the acoustic scene in the early nineties, immediately becoming major players. They have shared stages with the best in the world – Christy Moore, Nick Harper, John Martyn and more. Patsy went on to form Waking the Witch releasing three groundbreaking albums. Jason moved to the US and has been winning fans across the world. Cruck Barn, The Craven Arms, Appletreewick. 8.30pm.

Edwina Hayes

Edwina Hayes is an English singer/songwriter described as “the sweetest voice in England’. Her version of Feels Like Home was featured in the major motion picture My Sister’s Keeper. Edwina spends her time on the road performing her songs to an ever-increasing audience of fans and is often invited to support major artistes. Café Maison, Main Street, Grassington, 8pm. TICKETS SOLD OUT.

Friday, June 24

Trio Gitan

An evening with Trio Gitan will take you from the evocative music of 1930s Parisien Swing, through Hot Blooded Tangos to Broadway Classics from the Great American Songbook. The Octagon, Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Saturday, June 25

Steeton Male Voice Choir

Steeton MVC is one of the oldest and most respected choirs in Yorkshire. It now includes approximately 80 men from the surrounding area. The concert will include a mix of pieces including folk, modern and Welsh style hymns. St Wilfred’s Church, Burnsall, 7.30pm.

Laughter Yoga

Laughter makes you feel so good. Great for heart, lungs and blood (pressure), So come and get a natural high, it gives you confidence. Grassington Town Hall, 10am.

Jen Armstrong

Born in a village home to more sheep than people, Jen Armstrong moved to Leeds to study a degree in pop/rock music at Leeds College of Music where she earned her MA in music performance. She met her band at the college, who bring to life her musical creations. Black Horse Hotel, Grassington, 5.30pm.

Sunday, June 26

A Musical Evening with Alexandra Lowe

Sensational young singer Alexandra Lowe returns to perform favourite operatic arias and much loved classical songs from the musicals. Accompanied by some of her talented friends, this is guaranteed to be a very special evening. The Priory Church, Bolton Abbey, 7.30pm.

Moornotes & Guests: The Joy of Singing

Acappella harmony singing from Moornotes, Ilkley’s 30 strong community choir, interspersed with a selection of instrumental pieces. St Michael’s Church, Linton, 7.30pm.

Threads Orchestra

Mercury Prize nominee piano whizz Kit Downes, guitar virtuoso Chris Montague and BBC Philharmonic violinist Julian Gregory create a niche form of evocative, multifaceted music in unusual venues. The group has recorded their first album this year promoted on this summer tour before they travel to Texas for the South by South West festival next year. The Octagon, Grassington Town Hall, 8pm.

Monday, June 27

Austin Vince

Making a welcome return to the Grassington Festival Fringe, Austin will be sharing tales from his shoestring motorcycle expeditions, Mondo Enduro and Terra Circa and, no doubt, any other subject that springs to mind. These motorcycle adventures took him and his friends twice around the world and resulted in subsequent cult films and a TV series. Appletreewick Village Hall, 8pm.