Final preparations are underway for the 2012 Willowman festival, event organisers are expecting around 2500 people to attend over the summer solstice weekend.

An eclectic line up and family skewed entertainment has attracted ticket buyers from around the British Isles.

According to festival owner Steve Williams, music lovers from London, Manchester, Scotland and the North East will be joining locals for the 4 day bash.

Held at Hillside Rural Activities Park near Northallerton the Willowman has pulled together a platter of easily affordable entertainment.

Production assistant Elaine Palmer explained “A four day ticket with camping and parking will cost £70, day tickets are priced at a budget conscious £30. When you compare this to some of the larger more corporate festivals you can see why many families are flocking to boutique events such as Willowman.”

Dance legends Utah Saints are heading up the billing of over 60 acts, other notable performers include former Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwall, Ska legend Neville Staple and rising star Benjamin Francis Leftwich.

Away from the musical offerings a host of jugglers, storytellers, stilt walkers and workshop leaders will be interacting with the audience.

The most notable of these is the strange creation known as World Walker, this is a four limbed gigantic creature which will roam the festival site and appears to be part animal part robot.

Site décor will be provided by the Galloway young artists who will be making the journey from South West Scotland to embellish the site with festoon lighting and interior tent decorations.

Guitar hero Elliott Randall will also be putting in appearance with the New York All Stars, best known for his time with Steely Dan, Elliott is just one of a number of quality acts who will be giving intimate performances in the festivals real ale bar.

Steve Williams was keen to sum up his forthcoming event by describing it as “Eclectic, entertaining and affordable”