THE FINAL instalment in Ilkley's festival calender will arrive next week.

Following the success of the Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts, Ilkley Summer Festival and Ilkley Literature Festival, Ilkley Arts Festival – organised by Ilkley and District Arts Federation – brings together concerts, lectures and other events organised by many clubs and societies in the town.

The festival stretches from November 6 to December 20, when choral scholars, Northern Youth and friends will perform seasonal choral music at Ilkley Baptist Church.

The packed programme forms a showcase for arts-related groups and societies in Ilkley.

Lectures on art, history, French themes, civic affairs and recorded music are all free to non-members of the organising societies and guests.

A number of the concerts are also free.

Ilkley and District Arts Federation president, Keith Hartley, said: "See at first hand what Ilkley has to offer you in the arts scene during this festival and be entertained."

The festival benefits from funding from Bradford Council, Ilkley Parish Council and Ilkley Round Table.

First up, on November 6, is a free organ recital at St Margaret's Church, from 12.30pm to 1.15pm.

And there are two new major events in the first two weeks of the festival this year.

PD Theatre Promotions presents a professional performance of Mr Darwin's Tree, by Murray Watts, at the Clarke Foley Centre on November 7 and 8.

The play explores Darwin's questions about his science, himself, God and suffering, creating an intimate portrait of the man, his life and work.

Ilkley Soroptimists will present an evening with the Academy of the Royal Ballet on November 12. The free event at the Clarke Foley Centre, from 7pm to 9pm, will be an opportunity to see some of the North's talented young classical dancers under Ballet Mistress Yuko Ichnio, and hear directly from students and staff about how they train, as well as their own inspiring stories and successes.

Other events in the programme include an exhibition of work by artist, Andrew Lister, a concert by Ilkley and North Bradford Band Association, a performance of Handel's Messiah, free performances by Ilkley Players and a screening of the film, Ida, hosted Ilkley Film Society.

Copies of the programme are available from Ilkley Visitor Information Centre at Ilkley Town Hall.