Ripon'S annual ten-day celebration of the arts starts today, bringing world-class music and other attractions to the city and neighbouring villages.

The festival starts on a stunning note - literally - with the powerful Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers in a performance at Ripon College. The group is known for its highly-choreographed and athletic form of drumming using a wide array of drums and percussion.

The show starts at 8pm; tickets are available on the door.

The festival runs until September 15 when the Northern Sinfonia and Leeds Philharmonic Chorus close the event with a concert in Ripon Cathedral performing Mozart's Symphony No 36, the Linz, and his Requiem.

That weekend also sees a treat for children - and adults who are young at heart - with a visit by the internationally-renowned Little Angel Theatre, Islington puppet company to present two humorous and lively shows on September 14 and 15.

The first is The Frog Prince, a witty adaptation of the familiar fairytale, followed by Romeo and Juliet, in which a chaotic troupe of puppets kidnap Shakespeare's play, jettison the original text, turn the story on its head and bring about the ending you've always wanted!

Both shows are at Ripon Leisure Centre and start at 2.30.

Festival highlights include a Spanish evening at Masham, featuring the Eduardo Niebla Guitar Duo. This is sold out, but tickets are still available for the Jazz Caf with the top Brazilian vocal jazz quartet, As Meninas, featuring singer Monica Vasconceles and guitarist Ife Tolentino on the evening of Saturday, September 14.

The actress, Rohan McCullough, gives an additional performance of Testament of Youth, based on the memoirs of Vera Brittain, at 4.30 in the medieval manor house, Markenfield Hall, on Sunday. Her evening show is sold out.

The full programme has symphony, choral and organ concerts at Ripon Cathedral, featuring Polish, Russian, Swedish, Korean and Scottish musicians, concerts by candlelight at village churches, the comic poet, Rory Motion - just back from Edinburgh Festival Fringe - and art exhibitions.

Booking can be made with Ryedale Travel on 01765 605266.