ORGANISERS of one of the most popular outdoor festivals in Hambleton are gearing up for another bumper event this year.

Thirsk Picnic in the Park is set to return to the town for its thirteenth outing this summer in the grounds of Thirsk Hall off Newsham Road.

The festival’s original founders - Sue Calvert and Jane Burgess - remain the driving force behind the event and have overseen its growth from 450 tickets sold 13-years-ago through to the sell-out crowd of 2,500 in 2017.

Early bird tickets went on-sale online on Sunday and the headline act of Faith - The George Michael Legacy has also been revealed.

Support acts are expected to be unveiled in March.

Organiser Ms Calvert said they are hoping for another sell-out event on July 7, with early bird tickets going on-sale sooner than usual due to popular demand.

She said: “When we first started we never imagined it would grow to the extent that it has, and it has absolutely delighted us.

“It means a lot to the people of Thirsk and that is why we released tickets even earlier this year.

“It is an absolute joy to see so many people wanting to come and it is very exciting for us.

“Sometimes organising everything can get very fraught, but the minute it is all over we just say ‘wow, we have done it again!”

Ms Calvert thanked all the supporters and volunteers that help bring the event together, particularly the Friends of the Picnic and John Bell, owner of Thirsk Hall.

Every year the festival raises funds for local causes focusing on medical needs or supporting children with disabilities.

Last year it funded the purchase of a life-saving defibrillator for the town’s Long Street and funds will again be donated to local causes this year.

Ms Calvert said: “We like to support Thirsk community groups, particularly where they concern children with disabilities and causes to with medical issues.

“It is something we have done right from the start and we will always do so.”

Tickets are currently available to buy at thirskpicnicinthepark.co.uk and will go on general sale from March 1 from the following outlets in Thirsk; the Tourist Information Centre, Zillah Bell Gallery, CB Furnishings - including the Northallerton branch - and Calverts Rug Shop.

Booking forms for gazebos will also be available from March 1.