ORGANISERS of the first Selby Arts Festival are still on the lookout for volunteers to help with the event.

The festival runs between July 22 and 30, and will see comedian Ed Byrne and musician Seth Lakeman perform headline sets at Selby Abbey, with dozens of events taking place throughout the nine days around the town.

This week, organiser David Edmunds said the festival already had 30 people signed up to help out with stewarding the festival, and were looking for up to 20 more.

He said: “Its shaping up to be a brilliant festival, we have over 36 separate events and sessions happening over the nine days, with a number of events already sold out and other close to it.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for people to get involved in a brand new high quality festival, to meet new people and to be part of something fun and exciting. Its also a great opportunity to learn new skills, and the age range of our those already signed up to volunteer ranges from 16 to 60-something. With just six weeks to go, its’ a really exciting time to be involved.”

Anyone interested in taking part will also be required to take part in a training session on Saturday, July 8, and volunteers will work with the festival’s front of house manager and head of stewarding at the events, and will be required to work a minimum of three performances - one of which will be an event they choose.

A briefing event will be held for anyone interested in finding out more on Monday, June 19, at 6.30pm at Selby Town Hall, but anyone unable to attend can email saf@departsltd.com for more information.

Members of the Selby Arts Festival team will be at the Selby Family Fun day this Sunday between midday and 5pm, where people can find out more, sign up to volunteer, or book tickets.Other acts performing at the festival include the 14-piece The Grand Old Uke Of York, while poetry, music and family events will also take place around the town. Go to selbyartsfestival.co.uk