Grassington Festival is bringing a touch of class to the Dales during the festival fortnight.

This year’s music line-up reads like a who’s who of great classical performers, headlined by Alfie Boe, who has been hailed as one of the finest British tenors of his generation.

A true crossover artist, Alfie has won widespread popularity with chart-topping albums as well as critical acclaim from the classical music press. He will embrace a whole host of styles at Grassington on Wednesday July 1.

In one of the strongest classical programmes to date, also performing at the “Festival in the Field” is the 60-strong Fron Male Voice Choir, whose last three albums stormed to the top of both the classical and popular charts. The choir will perform in the festival marquee on Friday July 3.

The festival, in partnership with Skipton Building Society, is opening this year with a concert by one of the most acclaimed classical performers of her time, Dame Evelyn Glennie. More used to filling the Carnegie or Albert Halls, her concert at Grassington Town Hall on Friday June 19 is one not to be missed.

Dame Evelyn’s story is one of triumph over adversity as she is profoundly deaf, but she has achieved international fame through her exceptional musicality. She plays and performs in bare feet in order to feel the sounds she creates. She is also in demand as a speaker and after her performance at Grassington, she will take part in a short question and answer session.

Also recognised by the Queen for her services to music is Dame Emma Kirkby who will be performing with Anthony Rooley at Bolton Abbey Priory Church on Sunday June 28.

Festival director Amelia Vyvyan said: “We are extremely proud to have such an array of classical talent as part of our diverse programme. It’s a testament to the reputation that the festival has that these world-famous artistes are coming to our dales village.”

The country’s most famous female cellist, Natalie Clein, is joined by internationally- renowned local pianist Kathryn Stott for a concert at the town hall on Tuesday June 23. The recital will include a world premiere of a new piece by composer Fyfe Dangerfield.

Celebrated guitar duo The Katona Twins will play at an afternoon performance at St Margaret Clitherow Church in Threshfield on Saturday June 20, followed the next day by what promises to be an inspiring performance by Skipton Camerata and the Festival Orchestra at Skipton Girls’ High School.

One of the new faces at the festival is Sophie Cashell, who came to national attention after winning the BBC Classical Star television programme. She recently played at the O2 Arena to an enormous audience.

All festival details are available on the website grassington-festival.org or call the box office on 01756 752691.