A three-day festival, which can already boast crowds of around 18,000 people just two years after its launch, is hoping to expand even further over the coming Bank Holiday weekend.

The Leyburn Festival of Food and Drink in the heart of Wensleydale in North Yorkshire now boasts a clutch of celebrities among its patrons. Celebrity chef Rick Stein, countdown presenter, Richard Whiteley, and actor Robert Hardy have all visited and agreed to give the event their support.

However, the festival almost became the victim of its own success last year when the town council decided it had become too big for the market place.

The hunt for an alternative venue ended when a field was offered on the eastern outskirts of the town - and relocation has proved a blessing in disguise.

With more room to manoeuvre, organisers are confident of a bigger and better programme, which will focus on the theme, Healthy Eating. Three marquees will go up in time for the opening day on Saturday, May 1, incorporating a Festival Inn, a Speakers Corner and 20 per cent more space for stalls.

It's hoped the reopening of the Wensleydale Railway may also help boost visitor numbers, with more people arriving in Leyburn by train. The Leyburn Band has also been re-launched since last year's event and will be adding a musical note to the 2004 programme.

"We feel that our charge of just £2.50 for the day - covering entry to the whole festival and including free parking - is outstanding value,'' said co-ordinator, Gerald Hodgson. "Children under 16 are admitted free and well catered for with a vintage fairground while we hope a festive atmosphere will be created by the cheerful sound of jazz, brass and pipe bands.''

Richmond MP, William Hague, has agreed to perform the opening ceremony at 10am on Saturday, May 1, while members of the Rylstone WI, who inspired the Calendar Girls film, will mingle with the crowds.

On Sunday, May 2, writer and raconteur Gervase Phinn will be giving a talk while Richard Whiteley has agreed to return to assist with a demonstration of the dos and don'ts of the barbecue.

More information about the festival is available online at www.dalesfestivaloffood.org or by telephoning the Leyburn Tourist Information Centre on (01969) 623069