ORGANISERS were clearing up yesterday after another successful two-day music festival in the shadow of a North-East castle.

Richmond Live began earlier than usual this year, thanks to the backing of the famous Black Sheep Brewery and the North Yorkshire Connecting Youth Culture team.

Music workshops were arranged from Friday lunchtime in an extra marquee sponsored by the brewery, giving youngsters aged between five and 18 the chance to have a go at being a rock star.

The best acts then got the chance to perform on the big stage.

The annual battle of the bands, on two stages on Friday, gave local musicians another opportunity to play in front of thousands.

The event's overall winners, M Theory, then had the crowd's undivided attention as the headline act on the first night.

The programme resumed at 11.30am on Saturday and - with the Black Sheep marquee now acting as an additional stage - music fans had the choice of 24 different acts over the next 12 hours.

Chart band Cosmic Rough Riders, who returned with a new line-up to the venue they last played in 2001, were last on stage but up-and-coming Irish band The Revs got just as big a welcome.

"The crowd just loved them," said Richmond Live spokesman Mike Jinks.

"There was a huge cheer at the end of every song."

Police had scuffles to deal with on both nights, although there were no major concerns over security.

However, Mr Jinks admitted the event, which attracted about 10,000 people, may not be able to cater for many more.

"It's a fantastic venue but, if we are going to stay here, we may have to accept that we will have to consider some method of controlling admission in future," he said. The event has always been free and there are no plans to introduce charges.