The diverse programme includes music, comedy, theatre and art exhibitions and launched this month. Janet Farmer, venue manager, and James Duffy, assistant manager, shared some of their highlights.

Session A9 play at the arts centre in a fortnight and the line-up includes Scottish musicians Charlie McKerron and Adam Sutherland.

Mr Duffy said: “They are quite a unique thing, a super group of best Scottish folk bands, including Capercaillie, they are huge and this will be quite an interesting one.”

Mrs Farmer recommended Fascinating Aida, a cabaret act featuring Dillie Keane, which comes to the venue in April.

She said: “I saw these in Edinburgh and it was just such a brilliant night. It’s led by Dillie Keane, who appears on Grumpy Old Women, she’s very, very funny, quite a comedienne but it’s a singing thing so there’s beautiful harmonies.

“They sing funny songs, one quote said ‘Sex And The City with harmonies’, that’s what it’s like, rude and naughty but in a lovely way, I can really recommend that, it will be a fabulous night.”

In the same month comedian Andrew Maxwell will perform. Mr Duffy said: “He’s an award winning comedian and has been on programmes including Have I Got News For You. He’s the best comedian I have ever seen and got five star reviews at Edinburgh.”

Chris Packham comes to the venue in April with his show Never Mind The Buzzards Here’s The Really Wild Life. The wildlife presenter will lead an illustrated talk about the world’s wildlife. Mrs Farmer said: “He’s taken over from Bill Oddie on Springwatch and is a very charming guy, hopefully there will be a lot of interest in that.”

Singer-songwriter Suzy Bogguss is widely regarded as one of the best in the country business. She performs at the arts centre at the end of May.

Mr Duffy said: “She won a Grammy Award with Alison Krauss for Beautiful Dreamer, The Songs Of Stephen Foster. We have been trying for her for a long time. It’s really quite exciting for Pocklington to have a Grammy-winning artist.”

Also in May, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra come to the town. The UK-based group have been together for 40 years and features 11 jazz musicians.

Mrs Farmer said: “They have been around a long time and perform a mix of swing and hop-dance music from the 1930s jazz era. I think that will be a really good night and it will be lovely to see an orchestra on stage. This is a big national tour and we are the smallest venue on the list.”

Before that performance the arts centre welcomes The Blockheads to the stage. Appearing in April the group mix punk, ska and rock.

Mr Duffy said: “They’ve just done the soundtrack to the recently released Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll.