A NORTH Yorkshire music festival is preparing for Beatlemania to hit when a top tribute act headlines this year.

Richmond Live, a weekend music festival set on the banks of the River Swale, has announced The Bootleg Beatles as its Saturday night headline act, and will be holding a 1960s fancy dress competition to get music lovers in the mood for a retro night.

Over the last 17 years Richmond Live has grown from a handful of volunteers running a small number of local gigs to the event that attracts thousands come rain or shine.

Previous headliners include The South, The Hoosiers and From the Jam and organisers think this year will be one to remember.

Jon Naylor, the event’s marketing manager said: “We’ve attracted more music lovers year on year so far and this year is again no exception.

"Our online ticket sales have gone through the roof this year giving us funds we can use in advance of the event to make it the very best ever.

"As always we have a vast range of acts across the two day event and there really is something for everyone. Our headliners may be a cover band but believe me the show they put on is amazing and a spectacle to watch - there’s no wonder Sir Elton John has had them support him in the past."

Richmond Live runs from 5pm to 11pm on Friday, July 31, and from noon to 11pm on Saturday, August 1. Entry is £10 on Friday evening and £15 for Saturday. Weekend tickets are also available for £20 on the gate but advanced tickets bought via the website www.richmondlive.org cost £15 for the whole weekend.