HOPES are high that a third Mashamshire Arts Festival will put the seal on what is expected to become an annual showpiece.

Two years ago, the area held a major event, and last year a mini festival was staged. This year's festival, from October 21 to 30, is a major leap towards the event becoming annual.

Attractions will include magic, music, visual arts, popular culture, crafts, poetry and street entertainment.

Taking centre stage at Masham Town Hall on the opening day will be Not only... Rory Motion but also... Tom Leary and John Martin.

Motion is a singer/songwriter, comedian, poet and impressionist, while fiddler, guitarist and flautist Tom Leary has performed along with Fairport Convention and The Albion Band. Meanwhile, magician John Martin aims to amaze with his quick-fire illusions. The event starts at 8pm and tickets are £8 to £12.

On Saturday, October 22, jugglers, unicyclists, stilt-walkers and comedians will perform three shows in the Market Place.

Village Voices, a play about the challenges of a village facing a changing identity, will be at the Town Hall, also on October 22, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 to £8.

The Crown Inn, at Grewel-thorpe, will host a free poetry day from 3pm to 5pm on October 23, and St Mary's Church will stage a concert at 7.30pm on October 24.

Ken Loach, one of Britain's leading film directors, will be interviewed by biographer Anthony Hayward at St Mary's Church at 8pm on October 27. Tickets are £8 to £12.

The finale will be a free party in the Market Square on October 30, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, including samba and street entertainment. For a brochure, call (01765) 680200 or go to www.mashamshire artsfestival.org.uk