THE organisers of a town centre festival said it had proved popular, despite preparations being hampered.

Ryan Crow said while the Northallerton Festival had attracted a strong turn-out over the weekend, visitor numbers had been disappointing on the opening days of the four-day event, for which part of the High Street was closed.

He said the entertainment, including Northallerton Silver Band, a Beatles tribute, Peppa Pig, and characters from Frozen, had transformed the atmosphere of the event, while a Michael Buble tribute act had seen people dancing in the street.

Mr Crow said: "Every day has got a bit better in terms of visitors, and next year we will look to get approval for it two months in advance, rather than the two weeks we had this time, which didn't allow us enough time to publicise it.

"Everyone seems to have really enjoyed it and I hope the businesses have benefited.

"We need to do another consultation with them and get their opinions as I want them to be involved in something I hope will be an annual event and for it to be more of a festival rather than a fairground."