THE 21st anniversary International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Harrogate will feature more than 200 events.

“We've been preparing for over a year,” says Ian Smith, the festival chairman and artistic director. “It’s our most ambitious programme and our first time in Harrogate. Our fingers are now firmly crossed that theatre lovers from around the region will join our international audience and take full advantage of these timeless British musical masterpieces.”

This week, pantechnicons have been rolling up with scenery for 35 shows in the Royal Hall and 17 productions at Harrogate Theatre. Harrogate International Centre's Hall M , adjoining the Royal Hall, is being transformed into the Utopia Pavilion – named after the G & S opera Utopia Limited – to become the festival focal point for the month ahead.

This new Utopia will be the main information point for the festival; the shop selling memorabilia and souvenirs; a ticket booking office for the 200-plus events and the licensed restaurant, snack bar and lunchtime entertainment centre. After shows, it will turn into the Festival Club with late-night cabaret and entertainment.

“We have branded our festival fun, friendly and for all the family,” says Ian. “Almost 2,000 people will tread the boards in a variety of locations across the district , and it's not all G & S.”

The festival's own professional Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company will open the event with matinee and evening performances of The Mikado on Saturday and HMS Pinafore on Sunday.

Plymouth G & S Fellowship will stage an open-air matinee of The Yeomen Of The Guard in front of Knaresborough Castle on Sunday afternoon. At night, a complete contrast will be provided by a World War One Gala Concert at Newby Hall, near Ripon, commemorating Britain’s entry into the Great War.

Festival visitors will be able to enjoy regular half-day sightseeing tours around the district, while a fringe programme will be based at the Crown Hotel, Harrogate. In the opening week, a Sullivan Spectacular programme will look at the composer largely without Gilbert; highlights will include Sullivan Songs and Parlour Ballads; Sullivan and his mother; Sullivan, the racehorse owner; and Sullivan's music for young singers.

On Tuesday afternoon, Sullivan-loving Russian concert pianist Jana Polianovskaia will discuss and demonstrate Sullivan’s music for the piano at the Crown Hotel; on Wednesday evening, the Royal Northern College of Music Symphony Orchestra will give a symphony concert at St Peter’s Church.

The festival's internationally adjudicated competition in the Royal Hall will begin with The Yeoman Of The Guard on Monday, followed by The Gondoliers on Tuesday; The Sorcerer on Wednesday; Iolanthe on Thursday. The principal United States professional company, the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players,arrive in Harrogate next week for performances of The Pirates Of Penzance on August 8 and 9 and The Yeomen Of The Guard on August 10.

“People are travelling to Harrogate from around the world," says Ian. "They're coming to enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan and to discover and enjoy Harrogate and its hospitality. We can’t wait to get started.”

Is anything still missing from the festival, Ian? "Yes! We need half a dozen young people from the area, aged between nine and 19, to join our youth production chorus of The Mikado. It rehearses in Harrogate town centre from Saturday, August 9 to its matinee and evening performances in Harrogate Theatre on August 16," he says. "We have a great cast and now require a few more choristers.” Anyone interested should call 01422 323252 for more information.

Full details of the festival performance, locations, starting times and bookings can be found online at gsfestivals.org; alternatively phone 01422 323252.
Tickets can be booked on 01423 502116.