THREE more organisations have answered the call to make the first Ilkley Summer Festival a memorable event.

Organisers plan to launch the event on Yorkshire Day, August 1, and co-ordinate events run by a number of groups and organisations within Ilkley to create a complete festival programme.

The idea for the three-week festival was first suggested last summer by Bradford District councillor Anne Hawkesworth.

Coun Hawkesworth said: "It is getting quite exciting, as more and more are finding out about the festival and see the opportunities for community involvement."

The latest supporters to add their names to the programme are Wharfedale Lions, Clevedon House School and the Manor House Museum and Art Gallery.

Mary Bentham of the Manor House has offered to co-ordinate a series of heritage walks as part of the festival, and as well as organise a teddy bears' picnic for younger members of the community.

Clevedon House School, meanwhile has offered to organise a family fun day on Saturday August 2 in the school's grounds, on The Drive, Ben Rhydding.

Other events discussed include a cricketing festival at Ben Rhydding Cricket Club, and concerts at the bandstand on The Grove.

It is also hoped to tie in the festival with the annual Ilkley Flower Show on August 16, which this year reaches its landmark 50th year.

The aim is to show both visitors and local residents what activities are on offer in Ilkley, and follow themes including youth and sport, arts, heritage, leisure, healthy living and rural life.

The idea was born from the damage done to the local tourist industry in the wake of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Coun Hawkesworth said another feature will be regular music throughout the festival weeks on The Grove, and a concert will mark the festival's garnd finale on August 24.

Organisers are hoping to invite Clarissa Dickson Wright, best-known for BBC Television's Two Fat Ladies cookery series, to Ilkley to coincide with the food festival.

A French market will be set up on The Grove from August 14-16, hopefully accompanied by music with a French flavour performed on the bandstand.

Another planned musical event is a Music on the Moor son et lumire at Darwin Gardens and Ilkley Tarn.

The organisers are still keen to involve events organised by more groups in the festival, and would like to hear from any other musicians who would like to perform at the bandstand on The Grove.

Anyone who would like to help out is asked to contact the Parish Clerk, Miggy Bailey, at Ilkley Town Hall.

Organisers hold meetings each Friday to discuss plans for the Ilkley Summer festival.