VOLUNTEERS are needed to support a free arts festival in Helmsley.

Building on the success of last year’s Littlefest, the event will take place again in September.

Littlefest, held in conjunction with the York Theatre Royal’s On Our Turf project, included live music, theatre, storytelling and craft activities, filling venues such as Scott’s fish and chip restaurant, Porters café, Hunters deli and Look Gallery.

Tabitha Grove, one of the organisers, said the festival was put together by a small, dedicated team of volunteers, who booked performers, organised venues, marketed the event and ran the show.

“It is happening again in September 2014, and while this might seem a long time away, planning is starting now to make it even bigger and better,” she said.

“To do this, many more volunteers are needed and the range of roles will be huge from liaising with businesses and booking artists to marketing, making props, even getting involved in tech – something for everyone.”

Tabitha said the team was also on the look out for new artists and performers, and was already taking bookings for September.

“Not only is the festival happening again but over the next two years Helmsley will be hosting three shows, put together by the communities of Selby, Easingwold and Pocklington, and Helmsley will be producing its own show to tour to these towns,” she said.

“It’s a really big and very exciting project that can only be successful with the help and support of Helmsley and Ryedale residents.”

A meeting for volunteers will be held at the Royal Oak, in Helmsley, on Thursday, January 16, at 7pm.

For more information, phone Tabitha on 07714 530806 or email helmsley@onourturf.co.uk