MAJOR acts are in talks to perform at the first Selby Arts Festival, organisers have confirmed.

Organiser Dave Edmunds said he is in final negotiations with a headline comedy act, famous for television appearances and standup shows, to top the bill of the festival, which takes place between July 22 and 30.

A number of musical artists are also in talks to perform at events across the town, but Dave said their appearances could depend on whether they were playing at other shows next summer, with many expected to play stages at Glastonbury and other festivals.

Almost £3,500 has been donated to the festival through its crowdfunding campaign, and Dave said he was confident it would reach its £5,000 target within weeks.

He said: "We have confirmed a headline comedy slot and it's someone who's well known and has been on television, well established on the stand-up circuit and they will be doing an exclusive pre-Edinburgh set for the festival. I can't say who it is, but they have a big profile and it's an opportunity to have a high-level act in Selby. For the first year of the festival to have this person as a headline act is fantastic.

"For the music, there are so many possibilities at the moment. It's a really busy period over the summer. We're waiting to hear back whether certain artists are playing at major national festivals. We know we're a small festival and will play second fiddle in some respects, but if scheduling will allow people of Selby will see some great, big acts performing live in the town."

The nine-day event is set to include music, comedy, theatre and family events, with plans for pop-up performances and free shows around the town.

For more details on the event, follow Selby Arts on Facebook, or on Twitter @SelbyArtsFest

To make a donation and support the festival, go to crowdfunder.co.uk/selby-arts-festival-1