A number of US artists are coming for the festival to cast a transatlantic spell on the summer celebrations:

Taking us straight to the birthplace of Jazz, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band launch the Festival on Saturday, July 19 with the sounds and styles of the Big Easy.

For over 50 years the band has acted as ambassadors for New Orleans and for this highly anticipated visit to Harrogate they are set to raise the roof of the Royal Hall with their uniquely American sound.

Legend of the Las Vegas music scene, Buddy Greco is special guest with Clare Teal and the Ronnie Scott Jazz Orchestra on Thursday, July 24.

Violinist superstar Midori makes her Festival debut at Harrogate Theatre on Monday, July 28.

Twenty-five years ago, she stunned the music world with her first professional performance in New York at the age of 11, and she visits the Festival as part of her anniversary tour this summer.

She performs a programme of chamber music with fellow American Jonathan Biss (piano) and cellist Johannes Moser.

The American-Israeli violinist Pinchas Zukerman is no stranger to the Festival having made his debut at the Royal Hall in 1971 with Daniel Barenboim and Jacqueline du Pre, and in 2005 with his Zukerman Chamber Players.

He's back once more with this acclaimed ensemble – who do in fact hail from Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra across the border – on Thursday, July 31.

Book now for all events by calling the ticket hotline on 0845 130 8840, online at www.harrogate-festival.org.uk or at Harrogate International Centre Box Office, Kings Road, Harrogate.