A town’s first ever music festival was such a success they’ve already started making plans for next year.

Hundreds of people turned out to support the three day Bedale Acoustic Music Festival which brought 80 musicians from across the country to perform in venues all over the town.

Organiser John Knighton said it had exceeded all expectations. “We had fantastic weather which helped an awful lot but the whole town entered into the spirit of it, I really can’t believe how amazing it was. “There was a great atmosphere throughout the whole town, we had concerts in Bedale Hall, the Riverside club, Dales Care, the Green Dragon plus several other pubs. There were events for youngsters in the Culture Shack centre at the school, the buzz throughout the whole town was really special.

“There were over 300 people on the campsite at Big Sheep, Little Cow, they came from all over the place, from Southampton, London, Portsmouth and I really feel they saw Bedale in the best light. I believe it’s been a major boost for the town, festival goers have spent money and I think it has put Bedale on the music map.”

Headline acts included Simon McBride from Northern Ireland, Blackbeard’s Tea Party, The Conspirators and Dave Kelly of the Blues Band.

The aim now is to make it an annual event, but continue the theme throughout the year with concerts and music nights promoting the festival.

“So many people helped bring it together, T & R Theakston Brewery backed us with sponsorship and we had dozens of volunteers making sure everything ran smoothly,”added John.

Over 2,000 photographs of the event were taken by photographer Nikki Ramsay, of NikkiRphoto, most are being uploaded on to the BAMfest website, www.bamfest.co.uk and can also be viewed on facebook.

Mayor Amanda Coates said:”The atmosphere around town was uplifting it was a fantastic and well organised weekend which was very well attended. There was something for everyone and a boost for the local traders.”