A NEW countryside festival is being launched at the Great Yorkshire showground in Harrogate during the first weekend in June.

It will bring together a county fair, an art exhibition, a children's craft workshop, a food exhibition and an equestrian-themed area.

The event is being organised by the rural Crafts Association, in conjunction with Yorkshire Agricultural Enterprises which is the trading arm of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Highlights include the children's workshop and steam train rides on a small-gauge track, while artists will be demonstrating and selling originals and prints.

A major feature will be a whole host of craft stands including rocking horses from Cornwall, chainsaw carving demonstrations by Drinkstone forestry from Suffolk and Faberg-style decorated eggs from Shropshire.

The festival opens at 9.30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and closes at 7pm each day. Tickets cost £4 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and £2 for students.

Further information from Karen Hall-Sears of the Rural Crafts Association on 01428 682292.