A FESTIVAL of music and the arts will return this spring with musicians from across the world and closer to home performing at venues around the Dales.

The Swaledale Festival runs from May 25 until June 8, will welcome the current BBC Young Musician of the Year – pianist Lauren Zhang, as well as former winners Jennifer Pike and Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

As well as stars from around the world, there is a strong Yorkshire focus, with local brass bands, folk groups, choirs and visual artists.

World cinema will feature independent films from Palestine and Chile, accompanied by expert talks; and an early French art film will be accompanied by a live score for two pianists by Eric Satie.

The festival is also launching Endangered Instruments workshops, where expert players of the bassoon, tuba, oboe and harp will visit schools to give children the chance to try.

The festival has commissioned a major new work from the influential composer Alexander Goehr with his 5th String Quartet. Tickets go on general sale on March 25.

Visit: www.swalefest.org.