Born in Wetherby, Craig Ratcliffe is well known across Yorkshire and in education as musician committed to developing young talent and fostering a love of music in all.

Studying music at Huddersfield University under the tutelage of Philip McCann, David Thornton and Barrie Webb, Craig played for many of the area's top brass bands whilst musically directing the Tewit Youth Band in Harrogate. During this period the band grew to over 100 members across 4 bands and nurtured many musicians who have gone on to professional careers within music. Craig was formerly Musical Director of the Harrogate Band from 2011-2014 leading them to become the North of England regional champions on 2 two occasions and saw them work on a number of creative projects including a BAFTA winning episode of 'Old Jacks Boat'.

Craig is in demand as a Musical Director of theatre and the arts and works closely with a number of local organisations. With Harrogate Operatic players, he has produced Annie, Betty Blue Eyes, Top Hat and Sister Act to name but a few and also continues to perform as a trombone player for musical theatre societies in the local area. Craig also formed the Tadcaster Community Choir in 2017, bringing over 50 people in the local community to the world of singing and music making.

As Director of Music at St. John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate for the last 15 years, Craig continues to drive music in a large and highly successful department with a national reputation for extra-curricular music and exam success. Alongside the Harrogate Band, Craig is also the Musical Director of the Wetherby Silver Band. Beyond the world of education, he is an Artistic Director for the Harrogate International Youth Festival of Performing Arts and a trustee of the Harrogate International Festivals, the largest arts festival in the North of England.