ORGANISERS of a music festival that has gone from strength to strength have said the number of acts applying to take part in the event has increased dramatically after a run of successful years.

Richmond Live, which takes place over the first weekend in August, is approaching its 18th year, and has experienced bumper ticket sales in the last couple of years, meaning it has had the cash to invest in well-known bands to draw the crowds.

Last year’s big name acts were The South – formerly the Beautiful South – and Dreadzone.

Marketing manager Jon Naylor said festival organisers are offering a special early bird price for tickets bought before May 31.

He said: “There is a many-fold increase in bands from around the country applying to perform at the event, and the buzz among local music fans is already at fever pitch.

“Last year Dreadzone were fantastic – I haven’t seen a band like them for a long time for getting the crowd going, and they really rocked the place.

“The South were crisp and polished – we had very positive feedback from the audience.”

As soon as last year’s festival was over organisers were looking to 2015, and although he could not mention any names Mr Naylor said organisers did have bands in mind.

He added: “We want headliners that people will stand in any weather to watch. We have a few more pounds in the bank after a good couple of years so hopefully each year we can improve.”

Event chairman Mike Jinks said “There literally isn’t another festival out there where you can get all these great acts over two days in such an amazing venue for just £10.

“As legislation continues to drive festival organisers towards 100 per cent pre-event ticket sales people are going to have no alternative but to buy in advance online so why not grab this chance to save 33 per cent off the post-May 31 and 50 per cent off the gate prices?"

Mr Jinks added that headliner announcements would be made in the coming months.

He said: “The event promises to be another cracking show and a continued jewel in the Richmond, Yorkshire and North-East event calendar.”

Ticket prices for the event are now: weekend advance online £15; weekend ticket on the gate £20; Friday on the gate £10; Saturday on the gate £15.

Weekend tickets bought online before May 31 cost £10. Accompanied under 12s receive free entry.

Tickets can be purchased at www.richnmondlive.org