FESTIVAL fever has hit North Yorkshire, with the countdown to The Galtres Festival, which takes place over August Bank Holiday (August 26-28), now in full swing.

The Charlatans are headlining the Saturday night, with British Sea Power leading the way on Friday night and The Levellers closing the festival on Sunday. Commenting on having snared The Charlatans, festival director James Houston said: “This is fantastic – we’re all really excited that this is really happening now.

“They’re a brilliant band and have been on our wish list for years. Just can’t wait.”

The Galtres Festival, now in its seventh year, takes place at Crayke, near Easingwold.

There will be around 100 bands on five stages, including the likes of John Otway, Chris Helme, Blackbeard’s Tea Party, Mostly Autumn, Puressence, The Men They Couldn't Hang, Ryan Spendlove, David Ward Maclean, Cardboard Radio, Club Smith, Holly Taymar and Hungry Ghosts, to name but a few.

“It’s an amazing line-up for our lovely little festival,” added James.

“These are fantastic bands and we’re privileged to have them.

“But often the real surprises come from the smaller bands people discover at Galtres - there will be some real quality this year.”

New in 2011 is a comedy night, run by the Hyena Comedy Club, with the return of ArtsBarge Cabaret in the Little Top and dozens of workshops and activities for families and children.

Talented young performers are also being offered their first big break to perform in front of thousands of spectators at the festival.

Musicians or dancers, aged from nine to 19, at a school or a college in Yorkshire, are encouraged to enter the G-FACTOR competition on the Saturday, with the winner taking to the main stage the next day.

Within the festival is a Yorkshire beer and cider festival with more than 100 different varieties of beverages - from Ampleforth Abbey Cider to Black Sheep Ale.

Meanwhile, all the food is quality, local, and mostly organic.

Weekend adult tickets cost £60/£30 young person/under fives free.

A family weekend ticket is £180 for two adults and three young persons. An adult day ticket is £36 (Friday £20)/£18 young person (£10 Friday)/£108 family day ticket.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.galtresfestival.org.uk