EIGHTIES pop queens Bananarama have been revealed as the headlining act for next year’s Grassington Festival finale.

Tickets go on sale next week for the 15-day event to take place in June next year.

The festival – which offers a truly eclectic mix of arts and culture over the two-week run – is now in its 37th year.

The festival will run from June 16 to July 1 and will again play host to an exciting line-up of established and emerging artists.

The programme of events will be focused around the concept of Explore! and includes theatre, art, dance, music, comedy and a range of workshops.

Festival director, Kate Beard, says: “We are all looking forward to a fabulous festival.

“Come and join us and Explore!”

Bananarama will headline the festival’s Last Night Party on Saturday July 1.

Original members Keren Woodward and Sara Dallin will perform as a duo – along with their four-piece band – and they will be performing a string of their many hits.

Bananarama celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2012.

They have two Band Aid appearances under their belts and an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful female band worldwide – they have the most charting singles, all of which were international hits.

They have had 32 Top 40 UK hits, including Venus, Cruel Summer and Robert de Niro’s Waiting.

They have released 10 albums and sold 30 million records.

Other highlights of the festival include the Gala Concert on Sunday June 18, with international cellist Raphael Wallfisch and former BBC Music Fellow Ben Crick with Skipton Building Society Camerata in the beautiful surroundings of Bolton Abbey Priory.

The festival is working with Skipton Music to bring the award-winning Heath Quartet to Scargill Chapel on Sunday June 25. The Quartet are earning a reputation as one of the most exciting British chamber ensembles.

On Wednesday June 28, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, who have become a global sensation, will perform music from their new tour Heritage II Heresy.

And on Thursday June 29, organisers will welcome Clare Teal and her Hollywood Orchestra, led by Guy Barker, celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s centenary year.

A spokesman for the event said: “Grassington Festival could not survive without the generous contribution of the many friends, volunteers, sponsors and committee members whose valuable support and generosity are key to the continuation of the festival.

“The festival offers an amazing opportunity for people who want to give back to the local community and to make a significant contribution towards its ultimate success.

“Once again, Grassington will play host to close to 100 artists and further acts will be announced over the coming weeks, with the full programme announced in March 2017.

“For more information, see the Grassington Festival website grassington-festival.org.uk.”

The ticket office for general sales is open until tomorrow, and you can book online at any time, including weekends, and ticket sales will continue online following the booking periods.

The festival box office will re-open in April 2017