THE third major event on a town's calendar in a matter of days opens on Thursday.

Harrogate welcomed back the Great Yorkshire show last week, and the annual Gift Fair has filled the International Centre from Sunday.

However, as the biggest exhibition of the year closes, the Harrogate International Festival launches on Thursday, with a performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the conference centre, to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

More details are available from the box office on (01423) 537230.