Eighties pop queens Bananarama have been revealed as the headlining act for next year’s Grassington Festival finale.

Tickets go on sale next week for the 15-day event to take place in June next year.

The festival - which offers any eclectic mix of arts and culture over the two week run - is now in its 37th year.

It will run from 16th June to 1st July 2017 and will again play host to an exciting line up of established and emerging artists.

The programme of events will be focussed around the concept of Explore! and includes theatre, art, dance, music, comedy and a range of workshop.

Festival Director Kate Beard said: “We are all looking forward to a fabulous festival.”

Bananarama will headline the festival’s Last Night Party on Saturday 1st July.

Featuring original members Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin performing as a duo, with their 4 piece band, they will be singing a string of their many hits.

Bananarama celebrated their 30th Anniversary in 2012. They two Band Aid appearances under their belt and an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful female band worldwide with the most charting singles, all of which were international hits.

They have had 32 Top 40 UK hits, including Venus, Cruel Summer and Robert de Niro’s Waiting, and have released 10 albums and sold 30 million records.

Other highlights of the Festival include the Gala Concert on Sunday June 18, with international cellist Raphael Wallfisch and former BBC Music Fellow Ben Crick with Skipton Building Society Camerata in the beautiful surroundings of Bolton Abbey Priory.

The Festival is working with Skipton Music to bring the award winning Heath Quartet to Scargill Chapel on Sunday June 25. The Quartet are fearning a reputation as one of the most exciting British chamber ensembles

On Wednesday June 28, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, who have become a global sensation, will perform music from their new tour Heritage II Heresy.

And on Thursday June 29, organisers will welcome Clare Teal and her Hollywood Orchestra, led by Guy Barker, celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s centenary year.

A spoksesman for the event said: “Grassington Festival could not survive without the generous contribution of the many Friends, volunteers, sponsors and committee members whose valuable support and generosity are key to the continuation of the Festival. The Festival offers an amazing opportunity for people who want to give back to the local community and to make a significant contribution towards its ultimate success. To enquire about joining us visit the Grassington Festival website.

“Once again, Grassington will play host to close to 100 artists and further acts will be announced over the coming weeks, with the full programme announced in March 2017. For more information, see the Grassington Festival website www.grassington-festival.org.uk.”

The Festival is this year offering a special Early Bird Offer of £2 per ticket for the Festival in the Field Marquee shows (not including the Gala Concert or The Heath Quartet) for a limited period until 31st December 2016.

Tickets available from: Grassington Festival Box Office: Open 10am–4pm, Monday – Friday 01756 752691 and online at the weekends from 6th–16th December