THE CRAVEN Accordion Orchestra is once again hosting the regional championships for the instrument.

The North Central Area Accordion Championships will be held for the 19th time, in conjunction with the Yorkshire Music Festival.

The Cross Hills-based orchestra is organising both events on November 29 29 at Beckfoot School in Bingley, with classes for accordion, piano, keyboard and guitar.

Orchestra spokesman Harry Hinchcliffe said: “The festival has grown over the years providing a platform for musicians to experience the art of playing live music at their respective level.

“The festival will host children and adults playing for the first time, and musicians studying to be the concert artists of the future.

The accordion adjudicators are leading local player Thomas Hardaker, nationally-renowned examiner Ray Bodell, and seasoned competition pro Graham Waterhouse.

Adjudicating guitar and piano for the first time will be Clair Ward, the former principal musician with Hull Philharmonic Orchestra and currently a teacher at Oakbank School.

The adjudication team is completed by Bob Nevin, a lifelong professional brass player.

All are welcome to attend the festival competition. Visit cravenaccordionorchestra.co.uk for further details.