THE INTERNATIONAL Gilbert and Sullivan Festival returns to Harrogate’s Royal Hall next summer.

The festival, which runs from August 3 to 23, will be preceded by gala performances in the Harrogate Auditorium on August 1 and 2.

The extensive 2015 programme includes four productions from the festival’s resident Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, The Gondoliers, The Mikado, HMS Pinafore and Patience.

Charles Court Opera will complete the professional line-up with their new production of Ruddigore.

An additional 13 companies will compete for the International Festival Champion’s Trophy including Cape Town Gilbert and Sullivan Society from South Africa with their production of The Mikado and Blue Hill Troupe from New York with Patience.

Ian Smith, the artistic director, promised that the festival in Harrogate would provide “truly one of the most fun-filled and joyous places to visit in the summer”.

There will also be productions of The Yeomen Of The Guard and Iolanthe. Visit gsfestivals.org for more details.