YORKSHIRE folk singer Kate Rusby will be performing at a major celebration of Yorkshire tourism.

The Mercury music star has been confirmed to perform at this year’s White Rose Awards, which is taking place in Harrogate on November 12. The awards are believed to be the biggest celebration of tourism I the UK and this year will be hosted by BBC Look North’s Harry Gration and Amy Garcia.

Kate, from Penistone near Barnsley is a Mercury Music Prize nominee and has been named as one of the Top Ten Folk Voices of the Century.

Kate Rusby said: “I am utterly delighted to be playing at this year’s White Rose Awards. Being a proud Yorkshire Patron, I am a staunch believer and supporter of all things Yorkshire, it’s a true honour to be asked to perform. I can’t wait to be present and learn more about the fabulous events, restaurants, pubs and so much more we have in this beautiful county.”

As well as the singer’s headline performance, there will be home-grown entertainment on the night. Guests will be treated to a Slingsby gin reception and a Yorkshire three course meal.

Sir Gary Verity said: “This is a huge night for the Yorkshire tourism industry and I’m delighted a talent as big as Kate is helping us celebrate. Our members put so much hard work in all year round making Yorkshire the success story that it is and it’s wonderful we are able to honour and recognise them properly at the White Rose Awards. We’re so pleased Kate will be there to help us do this.”

Finalists for this year’s awards include Woodlands Farm in Northallerton and Cambridge House in Richmond and Low Mill Guesthouse in Leyburn, who have all be shortlisted for Guest Accommodation of the Year.

The Carpenters Arms in Thirsk, the blue Lion near Leyburn and The Fairfax Arms at Gilling East have all be nominated in the Inns and Restaurants with Rooms category.

In the Small Hotel of the Year finals, Goldsborough Hall near Knaresborough, Simonstone Hall near Hawes, Beck Hall near Malham and the Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa at Helmsley have all been shortlisted.

For a full list of nominees visit; https://wra.yorkshire.com/finalists