Spin doctor to speak on Blair years at festival

The spin doctor, who hails from Yorkshire, will discuss his relationship with the former Prime Minister when he speaks during the festival, which is celebrating its 30th birthday this summer.

Mr Campbell's appearance is part of a varied programme of events which includes a performance by chart-topping duo, The Proclaimers.

The festival kicks off on June 11 with a carnival parade around the town, heralding the arrival of a fortnight of music, theatre, comedy, film and visual arts.

Barnsley Bard Ian MacMillan is penning a commemorative poem and the opening night will culminate with a performance from the Magnets.

The Monster Ceilidh Band appears on June 12 and the following day the high street will be transformed for the first Grassington Go Cart Hill Climb.

Grammy-nominated pianist Steven Osborne starts the classical element of the line-up on June 14, followed by the baroque early music group Red Priest on June 16. Acker Bilk will bring his Paramount Jazz Band to the town hall on June 17, before Bolton Abbey is brought to life by Illyria Outdoor Theatre's Romeo and Juliet on June 18.

Alongside the main festival, this year will see the first ever Festival Fringe as well as workshops, street theatre and family walks. To mark the 30th anniversary, festival organisers also hope to smash the 1,500 metres world record for the longest stretch of birthday bunting.

The second week of the festival includes a Last Night of the Proms-style birthday party as the 42-strong Skipton Camerata is joined by tenor Mark LeBrocq and soprano Mary Nelson.