RYEDALE will have a Mediterranean feel this summer, when music, drama and dance events take on a Spanish theme.

More than 30 events will be staged at venues across the district as part of the 2003 Ryedale Festival - and organisers are confident visitors will be flocking to see the cultural extravaganza.

"We have had requests for brochures from Newcastle and Manchester and we know there are people travelling from Ireland and the United States especially for this year's festival," said Peter O'Malley, one of the organisers.

"What the festival will do is attract people into the area for events, but then they will stay on longer in Ryedale."

Several events had already sold out, he explained.

"Overall the demands for tickets is very high, which is extremely encouraging.

"The signs are that the festival is going very well with its Spanish theme."

Garden Opera will present Carmen as the opening event at Botton Village - although no tickets are left for the sell-out performance.

But there are a host of other special productions taking place.

A community opera project involving local children will be guided by Em Whitfield and Tim Brooks, and is taking place at Malton Secondary School.

Michael Portillo, the Conservative MP, will be speaking about his own Spanish journey, tracing the story of his family during the Spanish Civil War.

Mr O'Malley said: "The reason some of the events are selling out and tickets are going fast is because of the size of some of the venues.

"We want to be able to spread out events to make them accessible for as many people as possible, travelling across the district and visiting churches, village halls and stately homes."

For details of the festival, which runs from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, August 3, contact the box office on 01751 475777 or visit the website on www.ryedalefestival.co.uk.

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, June 07, 2003