The calendar of music, theatre, art and fun kicks off with Baghdad Lullabies, an exciting new work by Frances M Lynch and The Electric Voice Theatre.

It brings together epitaphs by Robert Burns with a Brazilian requiem mass, a world premiere of Paul Barker's third in the Three Lullabies series, and the Baghdad Monologue, using the now infamous words of Bush and Blair in a haunting setting.

Using cutting-edge sound technology, live processing and surround sound space manipulation, the vocal agility of the soloist is enhanced to create a rich tapestry of sound.

This is electrifying, mystical and devastating vocal theatre. A stunning production set in the surroundings of the area's new Ted Hughes Theatre and a great way to start the festival.

Maria McKee will be performing her only British gig this year at the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.

First coming to prominence as the teenage leader of cult rockers Lone Justice, McKee went on to find global fame with the hit single Show Me Heaven.

A gifted songwriter who penned the number one A Good Heart for Feargal Sharkey, Maria has continued to develop her own unique version of classic rootsy pop.

Her albums, including Life is Sweet, You Gotta Sin To Get Saved and her latest Late December, mix lyrical honesty and poignant observation with an unshakeable belief in the power of a good tune.

The London Bulgarian Choir won BBC Radio 3's Choir of the Year in 2006 for a performance which had one judge in tears, another lost for words, and which the third judge described as "magical from start to finish".

The close harmonies and emotional resonance of the songs are spine-tingling. In addition to the haunting music, choir leader Dessislava Stefanova gives a glimpse of Bulgarian folklore and legend, from the comedy of stuffed peppers and home-made socks, to the tragedy of unrequited love.

There are also performances by the Caccia Quintet, the VO Quartet, pianists Mutian Xu, Martin Roscoe and Alissa Zoubritski, counter-tenor Barnabas Hegyi and The Enescu Ensemble.

The festival's Hot Club returns with a brand new band based in Huddersfield.

Extra Curricular features Ruby Wood on vocals and musicians who blend the raucousness of hip-hop, the improvisation and spirit of jazz and the smooth sounds of soul.

Trades Youngplugged presents an acoustic night that celebrates the talents of young singer-songwriters from the valley.