Business sponsors have been brought into Ilkley Summer Festival for the first time this year to bring spectacular entertainment and big names to the annual event.

Organisers warned last year that business funding was looking increasingly necessary, as a shift in the emphasis of national grants-giving bodies would mean less cash would be available.

Now Tesco has agreed to put money into a spectacular street show Ilkley Illuminate, linked to the popular Son Et Lumiere in Mill Ghyll on Saturday, August 18.

Over the same weekend, sponsorship from property developer Audley, estate agents Dale Eddison and Acorn Villas dental practice, will accompany The Big Weekend, with three open air concerts taking place in Spence's Garden, King's Road.

They will feature Guiseley young jazz sensation Peter Grant, top jazz singer Claire Martin and a picnic concert by classical Spanish guitarist Eduardo Nieblo.

The festival programme and tickets are now available at Ilkley Tourist Information Centre, Ilkley Town Hall.

Tickets for the traditional sell-out Last Night Prom Concert on The Grove will go on sale on June 30. The finale concert is organised and underwritten by Ilkley Parish Council.

Information about the festival is also available at www.summerfestival.ilkley.org.