CRAVEN Accordion Orchestra, based in Cross Hills, will again host the North Central Area Accordion Championships.

Skipton Building Society’s hometown head office The Bailey will be the venue for the 23rd annual event on November 16.

There will be classes for accordion, piano, keyboard and guitar, with local entrants joined by competitors from Cheshire, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Orchestra founder Harry Hinchcliffe said: “Over time the festival has grown in stature and provides a welcome platform for musicians to experience the art of playing live music at their own level, and of their own selection.

The festival format is the same as in previous years, hosting children and adults playing for the first time as well as more advanced musicians who are on their way to becoming concert artists of the future.

Harry said: “This year we welcome experienced adjudicators from far and wide.”

Adjudicators are Gerald Kelly, director of music with Royal Meath Accordion Orchestra, accordion ambassador Ray Bodell, Settle College music coordinator Helen Robertson, and competition pro Graham Waterhouse.

He was a member of award-winning bands in the late 60s, and a member of the Irish folk Dance Society in the mid-1970s.He left the traditional scene and began playing world music. He has since won many events throughout Yorkshire and the UK.

The orchestra will unite with Carleton Ladies Choir to perform a Christmas concert on December 7 at 7.30pm in Gargrave Village Hall. Proceeds will go to Cancer Support Yorkshire.

Email cravenschoolofmusic@hotmail.co.uk or call Harry on 07401 768356 for further information.