HUNDREDS of people from across the country travelled to Bedale as the town staged its third music festival at the weekend (May 29-31).

BAMfest featured more than 60 acts staging concerts in pubs, and on the streets over three days. The festival campsite at Big Sheep Little Cow Farm, was the centre of the music event.

John Knighton, one of the organisers, said: “The third BAMfest has been simply magical and exceeded all our expectations. We had three days of superb music, in a superb venue, and a superb vibe. The new marquee worked really well. Especially when the sun shone on Saturday

“We are learning all the time, this festival was even better than last year’s and I would like to thank everyone who contributed in any shape or form to make the festival such a success - artists, volunteers, sponsors, and visitors.”

Mr Knighton also announced during the festival that Darlington-based singer Flossie Maliavialle has agreed to become a festival patron.

She said: “I am deeply honoured to be asked. In fact I almost burst into tears. This is a wonderful festival which I am delighted to support.”

Other events which took place during the festival weekend included a family ceilidh, a festival market, music workshops, and a special festival church service at St Gregory’s, Bedale, featuring the Wetherby Folk Chorale group.

Festival performances were recorded on video and will be available online at www.bamfest.co.uk and via YouTube.