TICKETS are selling fast for the popular Swaledale Music Festival next month.

The festival runs between May 26 and June 10 in a number of venues, including local churches.

Amongst the chapels to be used are those at Arkengarthdale, Wensleydale and Swaledale.

Festival artistic director Justin Doyle said: "Regular festivalgoers will know the simple magic of entering a peaceful church and experiencing the power and inspiration of live music.

"This year, we aim to demonstrate how important it is that absolutely everyone has access to the arts by hearing live the finest musicians in the country."

This year's performers include The Badke Quartet, with a programme of Haydn and Mendelssohn, widely recognised as one of the best young string quartets in the country.

Later in the festival, the Elysian String Quartet head to Yorkshire to perform for the crowds.

For details of the festival, along with ticket prices, call 01748- 880019.

Details of the festival are also at www.swaledale-festival.

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