A MUSIC festival will this year kick off in spectacular fashion as it launches its first cabaret event to entertain crowds a day ahead of its usual opening.

Richmond Live will take place from Thursday, July 28 to Saturday, July 30, at The Batts beside the River Swale, and this year’s headliners will be the Complete Stone Roses tribute act on the Friday, and 1980s ska act The Selecter on Saturday.

For the first time the event will open on Thursday evening with Rantin’ Ritchie’s Non Stop Erratic Cabaret, featuring belly dancing, medieval minstrels, children’s fancy dress and poetry.

The main event will be a thrilling act by magician Chris Cross, who will attempt to re-create one of Houdini’s most famous escapology stunts, suspended upside down by his ankles and raised above the Rover Swale.

Richmond Live organiser Mike Jinks said: “Having run for 18 years, Richmond Live music festival has become a key event in the local calendar.

“Starting out as a very small one day event the festival expanded into a Friday and Saturday event some years ago and in 2016 it is set to expand once again.

“For just £3 on the door visitors will be treated to six hours of unique and exciting entertainment, culminating in Chris Cross attempt to escape a strait-jacket over the rocks of the River Swale.”

Marketing manager Jon Naylor added: “Our headliners include a cover act of Stone Roses – having a cover act was always something we wanted to stay away from but after having Bootleg Beatles in a previous year we changed our minds because they were so good."

Artist Dawn Stockbridge, a popular local artist firmly involved in Richmond Live, has created a chalk drawing of the River Swale by moonlight to offer as a raffle prize for the festival. To buy raffle tickets for the chance of winning the framed artwork, call into The Showcase Gallery in Finkle Street, Richmond.

The organisers are also running the Great Northern Mod and Ska Festival in Thorpe Perrow, Bedale, from August 26 to 28.

Richmond Live runs from 5pm on Thursday, July 28, 5pm on Friday, July 29 and noon on Saturday, July 30. Tickets can be purchased on the event website at www.richmondlive.org. For the Mod and Ska festival visit https://www.greatnorthernfestivals.com/modska.