EFFORTS will be made to turn the first-ever Dales Festival of Food into a major regional event.
Financial backing for the Leyburn festival is already pouring in from local councils, businesses and organisations.
Gerald Hodgson told Leyburn Town Council this week that, as a regional event, it will be advertised from Newcastle to Leeds and across to Merseyside.
Thousands of visitors are expected in the area on May Bank Holiday weekend when it is held.
It is hoped there will be regional exhibitors as well as local businesses such as Brymor Ice Cream, the Wensleydale Creamery and the Black Sheep brewery. The largest of two marquees in the market place will be 180ft long with room for about 50 stalls.
Farmers hope to put on a display, farmers' market and WI market while an ale trail and tea shop trail will take visitors to Middleham via a free shuttle bus.
In Middleham, the Old School Arts workshop will stage a Good Enough to Eat art exhibition.
The castle will stage a demonstration of medieval cookery.
Barclays has given £3,000 while other backers include Yorkshire Forward, the Countryside Agen-cy and Leyburn and Mid-Wensleydale Business Association.
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