Festival in tune with its audience at box office launch

The piano is the central theme for this year's Harrogate Festival, which starts on Friday, July 16, and the giant instrument was on show as the event's town centre box office was launched on Saturday.

Passers-by were invited to try out a tune on the piano, which was operated by dancing on the keys.

Key events at the festival include a masterclass with Dame Fanny Waterman, the only UK appearance this year by Arcadi Volodos and the world premiere of a festival-commissioned piece from

artist-in-residence and leading Latin music producer, Alex Wilson.

Other major names from music and literature, including Alan Bennett, Lesley Garrett, Courtney Pine and the Australian Youth Orchestra conducted by Sir Mark Elder, will be performing at the festival, which continues until August 1.

The festival's chief executive, Sharon Canavar, said: "Although it's a bit of a clich, I really do believe we have something for everyone this year, from the very best in classical music through to up-and-coming talent from across the world, some great literary figures and some real fun events."

The town centre box office, situated on the east side of Victoria Shopping Centre, is open until the end of the festival. More details are available on the festival's website at www.harrogate-festival.org.uk