BRAMHOPE Summer Festival got off to a good start with a sell-out concert at The Robert Craven Hall.

Nicola Farnon joined the Derrick Harris Trio for an event that proved so popular some people had to be turned away.

Another successful evening took place at the Puritan Chapel, when the Bramhope Players provided enjoyable entertainment on a cold evening with their Hysterical History Of Britain, compiled and directed by Steve Weatherley.

A spokeswoman for the festival said: "The audience soon warmed up and joined in, ending with rousing renditions of Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia."

She added: "There are still many events to look forward to, especially a classical evening at St Giles’ Church at 7.30pm on Saturday with Andrew Long, violin, who is the Associate Leader of Opera North, accompanied by Dan Gordon on piano.

"Theirs will be an extensive and varied programme to suit all tastes, including Brahms, Beethoven, Elgar and Tchaikovsky. Tickets are available from the festival box office – call 07530 900934 – and the price includes interval drinks."

This year the festival committee has tried to cater for all ages, with events such as a screening of Shaun The Sheep in the Methodist Church Hall at 7pm on July 14. Tickets are available from Chris Goodall on 0113 2671829.

The Family Fireworks and entertainment on July 24 is also suitable for all ages. It will start at 6pm at the Recreation Ground, Old Lane. Anyone attending the free event is encouraged to take their own picnics.

Harrogate Brass Band will perform at West Park Rugby Club from 7.30pm on August 1. The evening was a sell-out when the band appeared last year. This year tickets are available from David Marshall on 0113 2842548.

The public are also being invited to learn about the history of old Bramhope with a free guided tour led by parish councillor, Diane Fox. Anyone interested should meet at the Puritan Chapel at 6.30pm on Tuesday.

E-mail bramhopecarlton@hotmail.com or call 07530 900934 for more details.