Performances featured total 257 and include drama, music, comedy, opera and dance among others.

The annual Christmas pantomime, Cinderella starring Denise Nolan, Phil Gallagher (CBeebies' Mister Maker) and Ciara Janson (of Hollyoaks fame) is part of what is already a spellbinding new season for young people; the awesome biennial A to Z 2008 Buxton's Festival for Children and Teenagers is making a welcome return from Monday 20 October to Sunday 2 November 2008.

The massive 14-day fiesta of fun includes dramas such as the gruesomely good Horrible Histories shows: The Terrible Tudors and The Vile Victorians and a variety of cutting-edge performances and workshops specially programmed to inspire young people.

Comedy acts arriving include Paddy McGuinness, Michael McIntyre, Frankie Boyle, Dylan Moran, Rhona Cameron, Rich Hall, John Shuttleworth, Jethro and comedic icons 'of the moment' Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt performing in their surreal live show The Mighty Boosh, to name but a few.

Drama-goers can get excited by offerings such as Canterbury Tales, Oliver Twist, Northern Broadsides' version of Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Hull Truck's Ladies Down Under, and George Bernard Shaw's The Millionairess.

TapEire will feature 'the fastest dancer in the world' Guiness Book of Records holder James Devine, Ludus Dance's extraordinary dance piece ID:me and Spirit of The Dance cast will be high-kicking once more.

Sumptuous ballet includes Russian Classical Ballet's compilation of masterpieces and St Petersburg Ballet Theatre performing Swan Lake.

There is an eclectic mix of live music including female vocalists such as Barbara Dickson, Katy Setterfield as 'The One & Only Dusty Springfield', Dionne Warwick, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Elkie Brooks, Toyah Willcox in Vampires Rock and opera superstar Katherine Jenkins performing during A Gala Fundraising Evening in November.

Operatic and orchestral treats include Rusalka and La Tragédie de Carmen from English Touring Opera, La Bohe'me, a Viennese Strauss Gala, The Tales of Hoffman and Tosca. Look out for another fundraising Concert by The Hallé, and The Mediaeval Baebes who are performing a concert in Buxton as part of their ten year anniversary tour.

Brian Kennedy presents Michael Feinstein's unique and beautiful interpretations of the 'Great American Songbook', singer-songwriter Dennis Locorriere, formerly of Dr Hook, is back along with West End star Earl Carpenter.

Gig goers can enjoy Slade, The Levellers, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash, The Groundhogs, The Searchers, The Drifters, Former members of ELO, Joe Brown, Bellowhead, Fish, Dr John & The Lower 911 plus many more.

Other exciting events include Tony Benn, The Chinese State Circus, Russian Ice Stars in Cirque de Glace, Fascinating Aida, punk poet John Cooper Clarke and The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

* The new season brochure covering August 2008 to February 2009 is available now. Call the Box Office on 0845 127 2190 to request a brochure or to make a booking. Alternatively, information about all the shows, and a 24-hour online booking service, can be found at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.