A WEEK-long celebration of Harrogate takes centre stage at the town's theatre shortly as a thank you to audiences from departing artistic director Hannah Chissick.

After three years at the Oxford Street playhouse, she is leaving to pursue freelance challenges, but wanted to say farewell with a series of free events.

The three-week festival- from February 24 until March 18 - celebrates life and culture in the district, has been dubbed Harrogreat.

It will surround the production of Alan Bennett's famed Talking Heads and includes backstage tours as well as the story behind the theatre's ghost, Alice. Places on the tour are limited to 30 a night.

Saturday nights will include a themed talk about Harrogate and there will be art exhibitions over the three week period.

From May 18-20, Hull Truck Theatre will present John Godber's Wrestling Mad.

Four amateur groups will also be involved in the theatre's new programme. Harrogate's St Andrew's Players present Fame from Feburary 7-11; Harrogate Dramatic Society stage The Crucible from March 7-11; Deanery Players present Kiss Me Kate from March 22-25 and Ripon Amateur Operatic Society's production of Fiddler on the Roof takes place from March 28-April 1.

For details, call the box office on (01423) 502116.