THE organisers of a unique three-day summer festival, where nearly half of those in attendance are children, are celebrating an 800 per cent increase in visitors since launching the event seven years ago.

The Deer Shed Festival, at Baldersby Park, near Thirsk, attracted more than 9,000 people and saw masses thronging at the main stage to watch headline acts Everything Everything, Richard Hawley and Beth Orton, with the weather remaining fine until Sunday lunchtime.

Guitarist Hawley drew applause when he suggested those who voted to leave the EU would be regretting their vote when “the price of an ice-cream rises to £64 in a few months time” while TV comedian Mark Watson joked about young drinkers in North Yorkshire.

Alongside music and comedy, the festival also featured an eclectic mix of entertainment and workshops, which saw thousands of youngsters designing and creating anything fromMinecraft heads to Minions.

Away from the music, political views had been expected in a debate featuring shadow home secretary Andy Burnham, who is understood to be a regular visitor to the festival, but he withdrew to attend the Lesbian, Gay, Bi sexual and Transgender Labour Greater Manchester mayoral husting.

A festival spokeswoman said plans were already afoot for next year’s festival.