THE festival kicks off tonight with the Opening Carnival and Ceremony which sets off at 5.30 and finishes in the square at 6.30 followed by some funky music from ace band Panjumby to get us all in the mood!

Bunting is adorning the whole village and the team pleased to announce they have beaten the world record for the longest continuous line of bunting! The art on the hill is looking fabulous, by day and by night, do look out for it.

The box office is manic and here’s the latest info:

Last few tickets remaining for the following : The Magnets; Black Voices; Alastair Campbell; Red Priest; Romeo & Juliet and Acker Bilk.

Unfortunately the following performances are now sold out, but there are waiting lists: Fascinating Aida; Show of Hands; Ross Noble; The Proclaimers; Austin Vince; Bookbinding & The Secrets of the Angels Delights Mon (14th June) but there is now a second lunch on Wed 23rd June still tickets available.

However there are still lots of great performances that you can get tickets to so you can still come and join the fun:

Saturday’s Monster Ceilidh Band; The Manfreds, The Last Night of the Proms and Firework Spectacular; Ian MacMillan; Jacqui Dankworth; Steven Osborne; Feast of Stories and Music at Skipton Castle; The Moonlit Walk; Beer Tasting; Wine Tasting and all the films, workshops and walks.

And all the free stuff too of course! Music in the Square every Saturday, The Hill Climb Festival of Speed this Sunday and the great Street Theatre and Music day on Saturday 19th which will be followed by a Grand Outdoor Barn Dance led by the wildest of the west band: The Last Chance Saloon! So get your cowboy boots on for a real hoe-down and join the party!