FESTIVAL organisers are looking for a bigger venue following the runaway success of a youth arts spectacular.

Festival 05 was run by Connecting Youth Culture, the youth arm of North Yorkshire County Council's education service.

More than 4,500 youngsters attended the annual three-day event, held this year in the grounds of St John Fisher Catholic High School, in Harrogate. It featured dance, drama, music and theatre from all over the world - and next year the organisers want to make it even bigger.

They hope to run the performances and workshops over five days and are looking for a suitable site in North Yorkshire, as well as sponsors.

A spokesman for the county council said: "This year's festival was the best yet and was enjoyed by everyone who took part.

"It's a formula that is working well with the county's young people, and one that undoubtedly can be developed for the future."

Festival organiser Charlie Toothill added: "The festival had a much more mature feel to it this year, and was much more free-flowing.

"The response from the young people who visited was absolutely amazing. Now we know we can stretch the audience with the types of art forms we have at the festival, we would like to develop it further. But it already costs £90,000 to stage it and in order to grow the event but still keep it affordable for young people and performers we need a bigger budget."

Anyone interested in sponsoring next year's event or providing a venue can contact Connecting Youth Culture on (01609) 780780.