Galtres Festival organisers have narrowed their search for a new site to two possible venues, one in Huby near Easingwold and the other at Rawcliffe Country Park in York.

"It's an exciting time for us," said festival director James Houston. "Soon we'll be submitting our licensing applications, but first we're talking to community groups and parish councils to see what they think about our plans. We're committed to minimising the impact of our event as far as is possible.

"Both sites are excellent in different ways," added Mr Houston.

Folly Wood at Huby which is privately owned by a family connected to Galtres Festival, offers the opportunity for us to put on a magical woodland festival. It's very close to the former site in Crayke. There are clearings in the trees which will make lovely natural arenas for stages and marquees, all connected by woodland paths. There are three small lakes too - at night it would be especially beautiful. The surrounding area comprises flat grassy fields, so ample space for camping and parking - and many landowners have approached us to offer land. Also there are some good, firm internal trackways which will be great for production and trader vehicles.

Rawcliffe Country Park is located just inside the York ring-road on the A19 junction, and immediately next to the Park & Ride and the cycle track along the river. So in practical terms it's ideal, with excellent frequent buses connecting with York and Easingwold and loads of car parking on tarmac. But it's also a great space - once inside the tree-lined grassy arena you'd never know you were near York's city centre. This location would enable Galtres to develop its links to the many York-based artists and performers who are involved in the festival, and also attract new audiences from the city and beyond. Our proposals so far are being broadly welcomed. Click here for more details about RCP.

"Both sites have residents and wildlife in fairly close proximity, so we need to show sensitivity in our planning and be very clever with our stage orientation, sound projection technologies, and remote monitoring to ensure no one in the neighbourhood or animals are unduly disturbed," explained James. "After all, we want to be welcomed back!"

More details on Galtres HERE.