Lively start set up for Ilkley Summer Festival (From Ilkley Gazette)

Lively start set up for Ilkley Summer Festival

12:16pm Thursday 9th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

The Ilkley Summer Festival will get off to a lively start with another of the popular Old Time Musical Hall shows on Saturday, August 1.

Organised by the Friends of the King’s Hall, the fully professional show will be headed by Bernie Clifton, the eccentric comedian who has been extremely popular on his two previous appearances at King’s Hall.

Bernie is kept very busy with variety and cabaret appearances throughout the country and abroad, many will have seen him on television entertaining the crowds at the Beijing Olympics last year.

A strong supporting bill includes another popular international artiste, Steve Galler, whose musical versatility and songs made him a hit with Ilkley audiences in previous shows.

Caroline Fields, who lives in Arthington, has appeared many times in the Good Old Days at the Leeds City Varieties and is sure to appeal with her wide range of well- known songs made famous by artists such as Gracie Fields, Vera Lynn, and Flanagan and Allen.

She has been touring the country recently with her own show - The Best of Joyce Grenville.

Dusty Young is a brilliant Irish comedian who is making his first visit to the King’s Hall after many weeks entertaining on cruise ships.

Another artiste who received great acclaim on his previous visit to the King’s Hall is Paul Derek, with his amazing entourage of performing birds. Paul appears regularly at all major theatres and has recently toured with the Ken Dodd Show.

The young dancers from the SLP college will open both halves of the show.

The chairman for the evening will be Ian Shuttleworth, who has entertained at the King’s Hall on two previous occasions. The music will be in the capable hands of David Smith and the City Varieties Orchestra.

Since formation ten years ago the Friends of the King’s Hall have raised many thousands of pounds towards the on-going restoration of the King’s Hall and Winter Gardens. Currently work is progressing on the long awaited glazed roof of the Winter Gardens.

The kitchens are also being completely re-fitted to cater for large functions of up to 250 people.

It is hoped that the three tiers of decorative lighting in the Winter Garden will also be restored to their original glory within the next few weeks.

The King’s Hall and the Winter Gardens are now under the direction of Bradford Alhambra and it is proposed to stage regular concerts and other productions at the theatre.

Tickets for the Old Time Musical Hall are currently on sale at the Ilkley Tourist Office (01943) 602319. All ticket holders are invited for complimentary drinks before the show, in the Winter Gardens, from 6.45pm.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)