The festival, taking place from September 10 to October 2, offers a rich selection of music, song, drama, poetry, street theatre, puppetry and a touch of history.

Performances this year come from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, cellist Jamie Walton and pianist, Daniel Grimwood, the sounds of China from Chinese harpist, Jiang Shu, acrobatic skills from The Black Eagles and Shaolin Kung Fu Masters, travelling theatre company Penny Plain no to mention top jazz trumpeter Steve Waterman and Ripon Grammar School's Big Band.

The festival's biggest attractions, however, are the three concerts in Ripon Cathedral.

The Orchestra of Opera North, which gives electrifying performances of the great symphonies under the baton of Janusz Piotrowicz, performs a programme which includes the Karelia Suite by Sibelius and the Tenth Symphony of Shostakovich on September 14.

Janusz also conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, in Dvorak and Brahms on September 21. He was given standing ovations in London last year for his performances of the Beethoven symphonies with the RPO and he conducts further concerts with them in 2009.

Another scoop for the festival is the famous Rossica Choir of St Petersburg which closes the festival on October 2, its only concert in the north of England since 2001. The choir bring some impressive soloists including young mezzo-soprano, Olesya Petrova, a recent prizewinner in the International Tchaikovsky competition.

Also on offer is a spot of history with church tours and an historical guided walk from Hackfall Woods, Grewlthorpe whilst comedian, Alex Horne brings his hit show 'Bird Watching' from the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe.

Poetry from popular female poet, Wendy Cope, who was voted Radio Four's Poetry Please choice for Poet Laureate by listeners, stars in Two Cures For Love at Ripon Leisure Centre on Friday, September 19 and there's a wealth of art to see in a number of exhibitions in the town.

Other highlights include cellist Jamie Walton, whose recent recording of the Elgar concerto has received rapturous acclaim, in a programme of Chopin and Rachmaninov with pianist Daniel Grimwood, whilst Alison Neil performs in the Tudor play The Sixth Wife, which she has written herself.

Don't miss Penny Plain Travelling Theatre in "The Entire History of the North" – funny, clever and showing tomorrow, September 6 in Ripon Market Place at 11.30am and 2pm. Also appearing will be the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Pipe Band.

l For programmes and bookings, please call 01765 603994 or 605508 or visit the website at www.riponinternationalfestival.com

l For more entertainments news, see our new Weekend section on pages 17-19 with expanded What's On guide.