THE countdown to a market town's festival celebrations has gathered pace with the announcement of a host of events.

The latest series of attractions, to mark the 750th anniversary of Henry III awarding Bedale its charter to hold a Tuesday market, was revealed yesterday.

The group organising the celebrations, Bedale 750, announced that it was planning a treat for pensioners as part of the programme next year.

A festive tea for pensioners in Bedale, and the former rural district council area, is one of a number of new events to be slotted into the calendar of celebrations, which begin in late May and run through until September.

Chairman of the event and Mayor of Bedale, John Weighell, said: "With the Bedale 750 celebrations only about six months away, we are trying to ensure that the programme, which is filling up rapidly, contains something to appeal to all sections of the community."

As well as the festive tea on July 21, he also announced a pop roadshow on the evening of June 1, in Bedale Park, to be hosted by Fresh AM DJ Tim Paul, and featuring several local bands.

A teddy bears' picnic, sponsored by Bedale Chamber of Trade, will also take place in the park, on July 3.

Sports fans will be in their element, with two cricket matches planned, including one featuring stars of TV soap Emmerdale.

A festival football match, including Premiership stars, is also being lined up.

The popular Wensleydale Drama Festival has boosted the celebrations by agreeing to alter its usual date to be included in Bedale 750. It will take place in Crakehall, in early June.

Coun Weighell said: "There's quite a flurry of new events, and we are grateful to local groups to responding so well to our plea to plan early for 2001. Soon we hope to announce an almost complete outline of events."