THE ears as well as the tastebuds will be well catered for at this year’s Homegrown Food Festival in Northallerton.

Thanks to its continued popularity - last year attracting more than 6,000 visitors - the free festival has been able to double the amount of music it offers by adding an extra stage.

And acts confirmed so far include the Jonny Ross Band - famed for performing at the Tour de France Grand Depart ceremony in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Also playing will be rockabilly band Rockin' Deke Rivers, pop and rock outfit Goldsands and popular North East musician Val Boyers.

The Homegrown Food Festival, which takes place on June 28 at the Applegarth in Northallerton, has also clinched sponsorship with the Kerfoot Group, Barkers of Northallerton, Wall’s County Town Brewery and Simon Bailes Peugeot.

It will feature a wide variety of stallholders, including local food producers, restaurants and cafes, farmers and more.

Other activities include a Food Theatre featuring award-winning chefs soon to be announced, the Tipple Tent serving locally-brewed beers, spirits and wines, a Kids’ Kitchen with fun, interactive cookery workshops for children and the Grow Zone, a community garden to encourage people to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs, no matter how small their garden.

One of the organisers, Peter Cole, said: “To now be able to attract some great local bands across two stages means we’re offering food and music lovers the perfect day out.

“The overall aim of this free event is to unite the brilliant local community in celebrating and sampling the great food and drink produced, as well as showcase what our area has to visitors from further afield as well.”

For more information visit homegrownfoodfest.co.uk/ and for details about volunteering contact Sally Anderson on 01609 772529 or 07906 662403