Event wins praise for putting town on map

Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, who has worked closely with the Tomlinson family as they organised the event, has told the Yorkshire Post it will bring huge benefits to the town for years to come.

“There has been a lot of hard work and local input gone into ensuring its success,” he said.

“The event was really positive for Settle and the surrounding area at a time when the economy and tourism is making an impact on visitors.

“I’m delighted that they have now decided to do it on an annual basis.

“We have got some fantastic rural tourism in the area but we need to fight for every tourist and visitor and events like this really help us do that.

“Settle is a really popular destination and has a fantastic market square with lots of great businesses and tourist attractions.

“This event puts Settle firmly on the map for even more people.

“It is great to remind people that Settle, as with so many areas in North Yorkshire, is a great destination.”

Coun Christopher Knowles-Fitton, the leader of Craven District Council, said: “We have not seen anything like this in Settle – it has brought many people in to the area who have never been here before.

“Settle doesn’t quite have the same status as Skipton but this is giving the town the confidence to see it as a visitor destination in itself.”