WITH Grassington Festival’s headline acts announced for next year, organisers are now turning their attention to the fringe events.

It is inviting applications from performers, community groups and venues in the area, who want to stage their own event as part of the Fringe.

It will run alongside the main festival from Saturday, June 18, to Saturday, July 2.

Grassington Festival – which celebrated its 35th anniversary this year – is expected to attract some of the biggest names from the music world.

Already confirmed are The Stranglers, one of the most successful bands to have originated out of the UK Punk scene in the late 70s, and internationally acclaimed Marc Almond, who, since his electro pop beginnings with Soft Cell in 1979, has sold more than 30 million records.

And Skipton Building Society Camerata has agreed to perform a concert to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, at Bolton Abbey Priory on Sunday, June 26.

But Fringe director Robert Fort explained: “The Fringe exists to support and complement the festival and has become a very successful addition, providing a platform for the development of local talent.”

Events could include outdoor concerts, pub gigs, exhibitions, poetry readings, school events, open mornings and ‘taster sessions’ of regular events.

All fringe events will be listed on the festival website and in the festival event guide, of which at least 25,000 copies will be produced and distributed around the region.

The closing date for applications is January 16 and for more information, contact 01756 752691 or email admin@grassington-festival.org.uk