NEARLY 10,000 people are set to descend on York Knavesmire for a summer music festival.

City of York Council leisure chiefs have given the go-ahead for the York Arts Forum event on Bustardthorpe Field on the weekend of July 26 and 27. Headlining acts will include 1960s legends, The Animals, who wrote House Of The Rising Sun, and ska band Bad Manners, who are fronted by the outrageous Buster Bloodvessel.

"Other cities have left York way behind with music events," said council events officer Liz Topi.

"This festival is part of the catching-up process.

"We don't intend on having another Temple Newsam - the numbers involved are just totally different.

"It has been quite a quagmire getting this organised. If it works out the sky's the limit. We would eventually like to do this sort of thing over the August Bank Holiday."

Revellers will be able to camp at the festival, which will be patrolled by 24-hour security guards.

Licensing officers will also be on hand to monitor noise levels.

Attractions include, a food village, craft market, beer tent as well as the two stages, one of which will concentrate on acoustic performances, and poetry. Organisers are hoping to attract 4,500 people on both days.

Admission prices are £12 for one day, £22 for two days, and £25 including camping. Tickets will be pre-booked through an established agency.

Miss Topi said the event would present an "excellent opportunity" for local bands, and there were a few slots still available for any bands interested in playing at the event. She can be contacted on 01904 553384.

Updated: 11:00 Saturday, April 05, 2003