DOWNTON Abbey butler Jim Carter, above, is to return to the Harrogate school where he was head prefect to take part in the Ashville College Arts Festival.

Solo percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, West Yorkshire poet Simon Armitage and pianist Alessandro Taverna will perform there too to mark the completion of the £2.25 million renovation of the independent school’s main auditorium.

The ten-day event from March 12 to 22 will be open to the public and will include a chance to observe the Ashville pupils in a variety of performances, lectures and exhibits.

Headmaster Mark Lauder says: “Ashville College will stage the most exciting and inspiring arts festival in its history. I’m delighted to say that former head prefect Jim Carter, loved by millions for his portrayal of Carson the butler in Downton Abbey, will be performing the official opening ceremony.

“Equally important, our pupils will be displaying their talents – singing, playing instruments and creating works of art – throughout the festival.”

The renovated Soothill Hall boasts a capacity of 600, a new sound and lighting system and a balcony overlooking the stage, as well as new seating, energy-efficient lights and improved access to the auditorium and the school’s main entrance.

“Now that the hall has undergone this magnificent refurbishment, it’s probably the finest medium-sized auditorium in the Harrogate district,” says Mr Lauder.

An Evening of Poetry with Simon Armitage will take place on March 12; Alessandro Taverna’s piano recital, March 15; An Afternoon with Jim Carter, March 16: and Dame Evelyn Glennie’s concert, March 20.

• Tickets are available at ashville.co.uk/arts-festival, along with the full timetable of events.