SECURITY is being stepped up at an annual music festival after drunken rowdies threw the future of the charity event into jeopardy.

Organisers considered pulling the plug on Woodfest last year when a small number of boozed-up yobs started fires, stole property and encouraged fights.

But the sixth festival – at Highcliffe Farm, Cross Roads, near Keighley, from July 25 to 27 – will go ahead.

“Last year there were a few people who spoiled the great Woodfest atmosphere in the camping area and so this time we’ve doubled security and placed a perimeter fence around the festival area,” said Andrew Wood, a Sue Ryder regional fundraiser at Manorlands hospice, which benefits from the proceeds of the event.

“These extra measures have come at a cost, but we need to make sure the down side of last year’s event is not repeated.”

Discounted advance tickets are now available – from woodfest.org.uk, several pubs and Sue Ryder shops – priced £7 for the Friday evening, £8 for the Saturday or £12 for the full weekend.