Showcase for rural life draws thousands of visitors to Dales

THOUSANDS of visitors from across the North of England descended on a showcase of Yorkshire’s rural life which was launched in the wake of the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak.

The Dales Festival of Food and Drink in Leyburn was established by volunteers to combat the aftershock of the outbreak of the disease, which crippled the nation’s rural economy.

Last year’s three-day event drew more than 15,000 visitors who were given a taste of some of Yorkshire’s best food and drink as well as an insight into rural life in the region.

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Organisers are hopeful that this year’s festival will attract even more visitors as people take advantage of the four-day Bank Holiday weekend.

The festival’s administrator, Sandy Carter, said: “This weekend’s event has consolidated the support which we have been given over the years from the local community as well as the traders and visitors who keep coming back. It just shows what a group of really dedicated volunteers can achieve.”

More than 70 exhibitors are at the festival, including companies such as the Black Sheep Brewery and the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Company.

Some of Yorkshire’s leading chefs are also appearing at the three-day event, which comes to an end today.