An historic music festival has broken with almost 100 years of tradition and thrown its doors open to Asian cultures.

Every year since 1906 the brightest youngsters from all over the country have competed in the Wharfedale Music Festival, hoping to prove themselves the finest exponents of the English arts of recital, poetry and musical performance. But this year a number of new exotic categories have appeared on the programme of the Ilkley event for the first time.

These include the South Asian dance forms of Bhartanatyam, Kathak and Orrissi, and the playing of the Sitar, Tabla and Moorsingh.

Festival secretary Elizabeth Holbrook has been involved with the event since 1956 when she performed on stage as an eight-year-old.

She believes it is the only festival in the north of England offering this kind of opportunity to students of Asian music and dance.

"The Asian culture has so much to offer of beauty, grace and splendour. This is a revolutionary step for a country festival and a meeting of traditional cultures. It is fantastic for Bradford," she said.

Miss Holbrook was afraid of upsetting the traditionalists when she first proposed the idea to the festival's board but said it received a positive response.

The festival, which is 96-years-old, has been held annually without fail despite world wars and a general strike.

The Federation of Festivals of Music, Dance and Drama describes it as the "jewel in our crown".

Acclaimed performers such as Diana Rigg and Emma Williams, who recently landed a leading role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang opposite Michael Ball at the London Palladium, both competed in the festival before finding fame.

Miss Holbrook said: "Our standards are very high but we are a very friendly festival and there is always a wonderful atmosphere."

Paul Brookes, director of Bradford's Capital of Culture bid for 2008, said the decision fitted in perfectly with his team's vision.

He added: "I think this is an excellent initiative. It is important we have such forward looking projects in places like Ilkley and not just in the city centre."

Keran Gahir, of the Leeds Centre of Indian Music and Dance, said: "Quite often Asian music is looked upon as new music but it has been around for hundreds of years. It will be wonderful to see it being played alongside British classical music."

Festival organisers are appealing to businessmen to provide prizes and trophies. Call Miss Holbrook on (01943) 872067.