Harrogate International Festivals has announced early programme highlights for this year's music festival, including a performance from Julian Lloyd Webber.

The festival, which is now in its 58th year, will host a variety of names in the industry across three weekends this summer, with an opening concert at The Royal Hall.

It celebrates music of all kinds and showcases a range of talent from young musicians to globally acclaimed artists.

British orchestra Chineke! will launch the festival, making their Harrogate debut. Chineke have performed at the Proms, as well as accompanying world-renowned rapper Stormzy on stage at the Brit Awards.

That weekend, Julian Llloyd Webber will be making a post-pandemic homecoming, while "festival legends" Oddsocks return to the event with an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

Pianist Robin Green will be this year’s guest curator, and will head a weekend residency featuring 12 musicians in ten concerts.

The third and final weekend will feature trumpeter Mike Lovatt, premiering his brand-new project, the Brass Pack. There will also be a silent disco for children and a family festival.

The opening concert will take place on Thursday, June 29.

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