Moon Magic takes to the stage in
Northallerton

MUSIC, dance and a space adventure are all on the entertainment menu in one Yorkshire Dales town over the next few months.

The Hambleton Forum in Northallerton will be playing host to a range of events from today to keep everyone from five upwards amused.

They kick off at 1.30pm with a space adventure for five to 11 year olds - Moon Magic. Tickets are £4.50, £5.50 and £18.

Two days later Forum favourite, Pavlo, returns with his special brand of Mediterranean music. The composer, guitarist and recording artist will play a mix of flamenco, Latin and classical musical from 7.30pm on February 16. Tickets are £10.

Within 24 hours the hall will be transformed into a venue for 'Bandana' when three bands will take to the stage to play their contemporary style of music. Howard Orange, Eskimo Sandwich and Take the Fifth will entertain their fans from 7.30pm. Tickets are £4.

"Hambleton is full of very talented young people who struggle to show their skills to the masses," said arts development officer, Kate Staines.

"We are delighted to be able to work with them to do just that. We already host an annual Battle of the Bands contest staged through our arts festival Zest Fest but we hope that Bandana will become a regular fixture in the diary and will enable a host of young groups to perform."

Tom Rollins from Appleton Wiske won 2006's Battle of the Bands. The folk singer - who accompanies himself on the harmonica and acoustic guitar - lists Bob Dylan, Donovan and Bruce Springsteen amongst his influences.

Six piece band Howard Orange was formed in 2005 releasing its first EP early last year and embarking on a series of concerts around North Yorkshire.

And Eskimo Sandwich brings together four musicians from Romanby who say their influences are many and varied - from Take That to The Beatles and Faithless.

March 22 marks the turn of contemporary dance in a high energy show which combines capoeira, martial arts, naptech, reggae and jazz styles. Tickets for The event are £4.50, £5.50 and £18. The show starts at 7.30pm.

In April, Kipper Theatre will be bringing 'Hillybilly Goats Gruff' to the town to entertain the family during the Easter holidays. Featuring the voice of James Dreyfus as the troll the show features foot stomping original music, unforgettable tunes and loveable characters. Tickets for the 1.30pm show on April 12 are £4.50, £5.50 and £18.

For more information on all the shows log on to www.hambleton.gov.uk or www.digyorkshire.com