MUSICIANS from around the world are tuning up for the 21st Ripon International Festival later this year.

Following record ticket sales during last year’s 20th anniversary, the Ripon International Festival is presenting another exciting line-up of top artists for 2018.

The month-long festival starts on September 6 and will see musicians play an assortment of venues from humble village halls to the mighty Ripon Cathedral.

Among those performing will be the Villiers Quartet at the mediaeval Markenfield Hall and Britain’s most celebrated traditional musician, Kathryn Tickell.

There are also a variety of literary-themed events throughout the festival, including bestselling author, Kate Atkinson, making a rare appearance in conversation at the Ripon Spa Hotel.

The festival’s artistic director, Polish conductor, Janusz Piotrowicz, has selected two enthralling programmes for Ripon Cathedral’s headline orchestral masterworks concerts.

The London Mozart Players, their first time at the cathedral, will perform Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 ‘The Great G minor’.

In contrast, the other major work is Beethoven’s radiant 2nd Symphony.

Meanwhile, the Royal Northern Sinfonia will be transformed into a full symphony orchestra for the epic Grande Finale at the Royal Hall in Harrogate on October 6.

Festival director Susan Goldsbrough said: "Ripon International Festival has always punched above its weight and once again, in our 21st year, we’re hitting the high notes to meet the expectations of our audiences who come from far and wide.

"At the heart of the festival is a passion to share great music and words, and we are thrilled to present this fantastic line-up of orchestras and artists."