ORGANISERS of a four-day mod and ska festival in an 85-acre woodland garden said the inaugural event had nearly sold out.

Up to 5,000 fans of the music genres and subcultures are set to descend on Thorp Perrow Arboretum, near Bedale, from Friday (August 28), to see 30 acts perform on two stages, while the event will also feature show and shine contests run by scooter clubs and a fairground.

Headline acts at the Great Northern Mod and Ska Festival include Craig Charles Funk and Soul, The Selecter and Bad Manners, who will play alongside Nine Below Zero, Secret Affair and The Lambrettas.

On the Sunday, there will be a ride out, raising funds for The British Heart Foundation, through the Yorkshire Dales along part of the Tour de France route, including the Buttertubbs pass and stops in Hawes and Reeth.

There will also be a kids zone, featuring skarchery, build a scooter, craft and drumming workshops and a glow cave.

Great Northern Festivals (GNF), a team of musicians and music loving professionals, said its two-day Richmond Live event held earlier this month had attracted more than twice the number expected at Thorp Perrow.

It intends to apply to the council to increase visitor numbers for the mod and ska festival next year.

GNF said the festival's licence application had "sailed through when the authorities heard it was the same people who organised Richmond Live as we have done it so successfully for 17 years."

GNF managing director Mike Jinks said: “Such an incredibly successful and safe Richmond Live event, on a much smaller site, has put us in great stead for an equally great mod and ska event.

"Tickets are continuing to sell fast and although the last few will be available on the gate, I’d recommend anybody wishing to come to the event purchases their tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.”

He appealed to anyone wanting to join the ride out to email info@greatnorthernfestivals.com to ensure the right amount of support in place for the riders.

On-site camping is included in the weekend tickets along with facilities including showers, a hair and make-up tent and an on-site shop.

For tickets and details, visit greatnorthernfestivals.com/modska