FULL details have emerged of an arts festival which is being held to celebrate the reopening of a new-look community centre.

The centre on Bullamoor Road, in Northallerton - which is soon to be renamed the Hambleton Forum - has undergone a facelift at a cost of £400,000.

New raked seating has been installed, a new roof and floor have been fitted and two meeting rooms have been created in the 27-year-old centre.

To mark the opening a week-long Zest Fest will see the town play host to a wide range of local and professional talent.

"This refurbishment positions the centre as a major venue in the region," said Hambleton's leisure spokes-man Susan Latter yesterday.

"It makes it more attractive both for performers and audiences and the Zest Fest is going to be an exciting way to mark its reopening.

"We have a huge variety of entertainment on offer - something we intend to reflect in the future programme of events."

The festival will begin on September 23 with dance, theatre and music companies performing a range of shows. There will also be a series of arts workshops for all the family.

Events will include performances by the local dance troupe Planet Dance and the Beatles tribute band Beetles UK.

John Otway and the Big Band with supporting acts will be staging an evening of poetry, comedy and music and there will also be a theatrical extravaganza, Our Town Entertains, featuring actors, singers and dancers.

For those who want to try their luck as a DJ or a circus act there will be specialist workshops - and aspiring artists will even be given the chance to decorate a litter bin, courtesy of Rural Arts North Yorkshire.

A full programme for the festival has been published and is available from the centre or through council offices.

Details can also be obtained by calling (01609) 770070 or 776230 or online at www.hambleton.gov.uk.