THE final rush is on for the last few tickets for performances at this year's Grassington Festival.

Once again there is something for everyone, with acts ranging from the Garlic Theatre's production of "George and the Dragon" for the very youngest to orchestral performances and distinguished guest speakers.

Tickets to hear John Simpson deliver a talk on his extraordinary life and work as BBC world affairs editor have already sold out.

Another sellout performance is that of Australian writer and broadcaster Clive James, whose grand finale with folk musician Pete Atkin will play to a jam-packed house.

Tickets are still available for Geoffrey Durham's "Little Miracles". The magician, who has wowed audiences up and down the country for many years, and is the former husband of northern comedienne Victoria Wood, is set to give an amazing show on Friday June 20.

Sunday June 15 will certainly be a night for the young, with teenage bands from the local area performing both original work and famous popular songs.

The girls from Red Shift - all pupils of Skipton Girls' High School - will be playing their own arrangements of music ranging from the Beatles to Robbie Williams, and Dudley Town, a three piece punk band, will recreate the sounds of NOFX, Blink 182 and the Foo Fighters.

All of this will be followed by a disco and light show, with music from local DJ Wilko.

There will also be tastes of this year's Glastonbury festival.

The Vayu Nauidu Company will come straight from the world-famous event, with its production, "South". This mix of storytelling and original live music is certain to be a spectacular show.

However the local festival goes one better than Glastonbury as Indian snacks, courtesy of the Aagrah restaurant in Skipton, will be served in the interval.

Another performer who will be coming straight from the Somerset festival is jazz performer Clare Teal. The Yorkshire singer and songwriter will perform her own brand of music, accompanied by top jazz and swing musicians.

Further music will be provided by the world renowned Fujita Piano Trio. The sisters, from Japan, will be performing both Japanese and European chamber music.

For those who want to learn Latin dance, top UK Salsa teachers Fuego Latino will be holding a session at the Town Hall on Saturday June 14. Also, Jive expert Sue Freeman will be teaching anyone who wants to try something really different.

With ticket sales already up on last year, this year's festival is not to be missed with its diverse range of artistes.

Artistic director Bunty Leder said this week: "Everything's on schedule, and we are all geared up for the opening night. The response has been wonderful, and as long as every artiste makes it to Grassington, we should have a super fortnight."

This year's festival will run over 15 days, starting with the John Miller Orchestra on Friday June 13.

Tickets are available from the box office, on 01756 752691.