THE world famous Halle Orchestra will be a major draw for classical music lovers at this year's Swaledale Festival while for art afficionados critic and TV presenter Andrew Graham-Dixon is lined up to give the popular Reeth Lecture.

The festival runs from May 28 to June with concerts by pianists Benjamin Grosvenor and Richard Uttley, the Heath and Fitzwilliam Quartets, the Florin ensemble performing a new commission by Welsh composer Hugh Wood, Dame Emma Kirkby with lutenist Jacob Heringman and viol player Susanna Pell, and a capella vocal ensemble Stile Antico.

Festival regular Adam Summerhayes is there with his orchestra playing Viennese music in duo Deadmen’s Folk and then with period instrument group 21st Century Baroque.

Three-piece Lau headlines the non-classical line-up which also includes Irish fiddle and concertina player Niamh Ní Charra in two events, the AKA Trio, solo percussionist Joby Burgess, flamenco guitarist Nick Wilkinson, blues multi-instrumentalist Rory McLeod and vocalist Christine Tobin.

The Hut People are back by popular demand for their eighth consecutive appearance.

The Young Artist Platform (YAP) series has again identified talented performers including the Aether Quintet of brass players from the Royal Northern College of Music, which includes Muker-born Phil Guy. Other members of his family perform in the festival as members of Muker Silver Band.

The YAP series brings back Rosalind Ventris (viola) and Pau Codina (cello) to give a recital that had to be cancelled last year when Ms Ventris injured a hand. Local performers include the bands from Reeth and Leyburn, the Swale Singers and folk favourites Fourum

In addition there is poetry from M R Peacocke, a film about Leif Ove Andsnes’ project to perform Beethoven’s five piano concertos, theatre from The People Show and local group A Play in the Dales, plus a Big Sing Day with composer and choral director Will Todd.

Art is well served with three exhibitions including one of photography by multi-talented Adam Summerhayes.

Experts are booked to lead walks featuring specialist subjects such as geology, the barns and walls of Upper Swaledale and the flora of Lower Swaledale.

A unique event is a stationary walk with a hour spent describing a panoramic view.

Full details are at swalefest.org and tickets go on sale online on March 21 or from the box office in Reeth on April 11. A copy of the brochure can be obtained by emailing brochure@swalefest.org.