A FESTIVAL of food and drink is to be held in the grounds of Castle Howard to promote Ryedale businesses.

Andrew Leeming, Ryedale District Council economic development manager, said the event would be a celebration of local produce and more than 100 food stalls would be featured, with an international market promoting Ryedale's links with the Low Countries and Scandivania.

There will also be a food theatre, with cookery demonstrations, a livestock section, a bandstand featuring local music and the arts, and food and drink concession areas.

He told the council's community services and licensing committee that the event was expected to attract at least 3,000 people on each of the two days it is staged, May 29 and 30.

He said: "Businesses will be given the opportunity to promote their products to the trade and will promote the local distinctiveness of Ryedale."

The festival is likely to cost £60,000, including the hire of marquees, equipment, promotion and marketing.

Funding, said Mr Leeming, had been agreed with the European Union and Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, but a sponsor was still being sought.

He said: "There is a big cluster of food and drink businesses in Ryedale providing a lot of jobs. There is a potential to grow the industry."