This year’s festival is our most exciting and ambitious programme so far with a dazzling mix of events featuring some of the finest artists in the world.

Festival highlights include a sensational line up for our final event ‘The Playground Party’ on Saturday 7th July which features: Courtney Pine, Kate Rusby, James Taylor Quartet and Eliza Carthy. Classical music can be enjoyed at this year’s festival with a recital by the world renowned Brodsky Quartet, in the beautiful setting of St.Mary’s Church. We are also delighted to welcome one of Yorkshire’s finest brass bands, Brighouse and Rastrick, as well The North Stars Steel Orchestra.

Hundreds of school children will write new poems inspired by a creative writing challenge, ‘Go forth Garforth’, led by poet Ian McMillan, who will take to the stage with his orchestra for his ‘Sharp Stories’.

In addition to this, we are delighted to announce new commissions, including a new piece for the youth ensemble, Garforth Jazz Rock Band, written by Sean Hargreaves. With exhibitions, workshops and masterclass sessions, as well as performances from some of the best local artists and musicians, the 2007 festival promises to be a very special one.

We look forward to seeing you at the festival.

Dave Evans (Festival Director)