NEXT year’s annual Pickering Sixties Festival is to go ahead after a boost in the number of volunteers.

The event, which attracts music fans from around the country, was in danger of folding unless organisers could secure more help.

Originally run by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the festival was expanded seven years ago when a group of music enthusiasts formed a committee to organise and fundraise for additional events in the town’s Market Place each summer.

Following a meeting last week Bruce Pickup, one of the members, said it had been agreed to hold a festival again next year.

He said: “There were 16 people at the open meeting held at the Sun Inn in Pickering to discuss the future of the Sixties Festival. In addition, there were six people who could not attend offering support and some help. There was a lively and positive discussion and it was agreed to hold a festival from Thursday, June 11 to Saturday, June 13.”

Mr Pickup said: “Most of the other persons present offered assistance either throughout the year or during the event. The general view was to try to expand the event throughout the day on the Saturday and it was agreed to look into this proposal.

“It was also suggested that events should be run at the Kirk Theatre on the Thursday and Friday evenings with another type of event at the Memorial Hall on the Friday evening.”

An open meeting will be held at 8pm on Wednesday, October 1, at The Sun Inn when progress on the proposals will be discussed.

Anyone who would like more information should phone Bruce or Kate Pickup on 01751 477340, or email pickup1973@btinternet.com