Harrogate takes up where York and Aldborough leave off next week when its 35th festival opens with a rich mix of classical, jazz, brass bands, dance, comedy and open air events, writes Dave Robson.

The opening night parade through the town centre is on Thursday at 6.30 and features street performers and other surprises.

First of the many concerts and recitals will be by the Ukrainian National Philharmonic orchestra in the international centre next Friday, with the 1975 Leeds prize-winning pianist, Dimitry Alexeev, playing Shostakovich's sparkling 2nd Piano Concerto. Mischa Katz conducts.

Among a strong line-up of young musicians, the wind quintet, Quintessence, (pictured) will give the world premiere of a piece by Philip Cashian as well as Barber's delightful Summer Music on Saturday, July 22, at 11am in Christ Church; the Black Dyke Mills band performs that evening in the Royal Hall.

During the following week, the Latvian Radio choir will sing music by Bach and Arvo Part, followed the next evening by the Endellion String quartet who is being joined by the Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, who will read his new poems for Haydn's Seven Last Words on the Cross. Both concerts are by candlelight in St Wilfred's (July 25 and 26, both 8.30).

Highlight, rather than candlelight, is the aura for Joanna MacGregor's recital at Harrogate theatre on July 27 of Bach, Shostakovich and Nancarrow.

There's a jazz weekend (July 28-30) with Courtney Pine, Pinze Saul, the BBC Big Band, Claire Martin band, Eddie Gome and the Martin Taylor trio.

The second week sees concerts by the Dimitry Alexeev, St Petersburg Camerata, Northern Junior Philharmonic in Ripon cathedral (don't miss this one), Willard White singing a tribute to Paul Robeson and the Royal Scottish National orchestra. Between all this, there's six young musicians' morning concerts in the Old Swan hotel and Christ Church - some real talent is lined up.

For details, ring the festival office on 01423 562303; tickets from the box office on 01423 537230.