FESTIVAL organisers have found a new venue just weeks before the event after problems with an ancient covenant on the land they planned to use.

The Northallerton Homegrown Food Festival was due to take place on the Applegarth in the town on Sunday, June 24, but because a covenant on the land states it must only be used for children, the town council decided it was not suitable.

Northallerton Town Council brought in legal experts to examine the covenant and said it has now offered organisers two pieces of land around the Applegarth site which they can use - but they can not use the main area of the park.

Festival organisers maintain the event is purely family and child-orientated and will be a great community day out.

Northallerton Mayor Jack Dobson said: “Because the festival will involve letting the land to commercial businesses, this goes against the use of the Applegarth.”

Applegarth Primary School stepped in to offer the playing fields for the festival - which was much-needed for local produce stalls, cookery and growing demonstrations, and activities for schools and community groups.

Organiser Nicky Smith said: “We understand the restrictions of the covenant and are willing to work with Northallerton Town Council on this.

“We have arranged lots of children’s activities on the area - this will be a community event for the whole family, run by a not-for-profit organisation.”

Another festival committee member, Emma Casson, agreed: “It is a fantastic way to bring the whole community together in lots of different ways and celebrate our local food.

“We are very grateful to have the space of Applegarth Primary School - but would still like to work with the town council on this.”

An Awards For All grant has meant organisers have been able to keep stall holder booking prices low, making it an affordable venue for small, up and coming food producers to sell their products and launch their businesses.

Local muesli producer Charlotte Pett said: “I am really excited to be involved in the Homegrown Food Festival.

“The festival is all about great local food, honestly produced by passionate people who love food - it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase my muesli business, running a small cottage industry from my little kitchen.”

Coun Dobson added: “A compromise has been made with the festival - they can use the bonfire site and the area adjacent to the school playing fields.

“We have consulted with the solicitors so that is it - the school is very happy with the arrangement so I think it is a positive outcome.”

The festival will run from 10am to 4pm and admission is free.

For more details contact homegrownfoodfest@gmail.com or 07896140669.