"AFTER months of planning, the final details are now falling neatly into place and we're all set for two weeks of the finest live music in the region this summer.

With the Festival's return to its historic home at the Royal Hall this year, there's more than ever to celebrate and our opening weekend alone features three concerts that showcase the magnificent music-making tradition of this iconic venue:

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band launches the Festival tomorrow with the glorious sounds and styles of the Big Easy, raising the roof with their impeccable jazz credentials and their uniquely American sound. Sunday welcomes two of the greatest names in brass and percussion as the Black Dyke Band and Dame Evelyn Glennie take to the stage.

The James Brindley of Harrogate Royal Hall Gala Concert on Monday promises to be a landmark in Yorkshire's musical calendar when the Academy of St Martin in the Fields - conducted by Sir Neville Marriner, who first performed at the venue 40 years ago – give a rare performance outside of London.

And don't forget that you can buy tickets to all events at the town centre Box Office, now open at Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza on Station Parade.

So whether it's in the concert hall or on the beach, we look forward to welcoming you to another remarkable Festival."