The object of the Festival is to advance the education of the public in the arts, and in particular the arts of Music, Speech and Drama in all their branches.
The Festival is an Educational Trust, as started by the Harrogate Town Council as it then was, aiming to improve and enhance the performing skills of musical, singing and speech and drama students.
To this end, a wide variety of classes is held encompassing solo performers, duets and groups both large and small, in all of the arts of Music, Speech and Drama.
The Festival is run by volunteers as a Charity.