ALL roads will lead to Grassington in June, with a galaxy of stars lined up for the village's two-week art and cultural festival.

The list includes soul singer Ruby Turner, Hackney Colliery Band - described as “one of the greatest live bands in this country” by BBC Radio 2 - and open-air theatre company Illyria with Roald Dahl’s Danny The Champion of The World.

The opening night on June 17 promises a crowd-pleasing mix of Frank Sinatra songs performed by brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane from Hue and Cry alongside their own hits and newer material.

The Festival in The Field Marquee opens on Tuesday, June 28, with 2005 Mercury Music Prize nominee and multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter, Seth Lakeman and his soulful folk.

There will be a new format for the June 29 comedy night, Live at the Marquee, which will showcase some of the hottest comedians of the moment. Rich Hall will headline accompanied by ‘mouth of the south’ Rob Beckett and star of Live at the Apollo and QI Shappi Khorsandi. The event will be compered by northern stand-up Justin Moorhouse.

On Thursday, June 30, the marquee stage will be taken over by one of the most famous tribute bands in the world, The Bootleg Beatles, who will flawlessly recreate the legendary songbook from the 60s with some proper Scouse humour.

British rock group The Stranglers promise a showstopper of an evening on Friday, July 1, and finally, closing the festival on Saturday, July 2, will be the infamous Last Night Party with Marc Almond, supported by Toyah Willcox.

The festival's new classical partnership with Skipton Building Society Camerata will be launched on Sunday, June 26, with a special concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Between the music, award-winning actress Kathryn Pogson will read poignant extracts from some of the First World War poets.

Other "must see" events include the world premiere of Six Hands, featuring John Etheridge, John Williams and Gary Ryan and, in the Speakers from the Edge slot, travel recollections from BBC presenter Will Millard. Established local talents Ray Snape and Jonny Absolute will host night of poetry and piano.

Grassington Festival will also showcase the best of Yorkshire Dales produce at a food festival, with demonstrations by local chefs John Rudden, of Grassington House, and Matt Mitchell, of the Keelham Kitchen.

The Festival in the Square will offer a programme of free entertainment on all three festival Saturdays. These family friendly occasions will bring a combination of dance, street theatre and music to the Square and families can also take part in workshops and events, including the Rainy Day Project run by local Turner-nominated artist Helen Peyton.

The full programme - which also features walks and speakers - can be viewed online at grassington-festival.org.uk. For more information, contact the Box Office on 01756 752691.