A STRING quartet played in the unusual venue of a working dales farm in a musical prelude to the Swaledale Festival.

The Oopsie Mam Ushka musicians busked at Hazel Brow farm, Low Row, on Tuesday as part of a series of roving performances, named Barnstorming.

They appeared in a number of unexpected settings, including buses, outside schools and in supermarkets, in the run-up to the two-week event, which starts today.

Their repertoire included styles from Mozart to Mambo and from Bach to the Beach Boys.

Festival director Philip Parr said the idea was to ensure music was accessible by all residents of Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale.

"We want to make sure that everyone who lives and works in our area has a chance to hear some of the fantastic music on offer during the festival fortnight," he said. "That's why the string quartet turned up in all the places where concerts and events aren't usually found."

This year's festival takes stringed music and instruments as its central theme and features classical, jazz, folk and world music. There are also exhibitions, walks, talks and workshops.

* Festival listings: see page 15.