VISITORS to the Malton Food Lovers Festival will have to pay an entry charge for the first time this year, which organisers say will help secure the event’s long-term future.

Festival wristbands will give people access to the event on both days, including the two principal cookery theatres, a new masterclass tasting marquee, stalls and the extended beer, wine and cider festival.

Everyone buying a wristband will receive a festival shopping bag and festival magazine.

All money collected from the wristband sales will go directly to the not- for-profit Malton Community Interest Company, which is now responsible for organising the event, to help put the festival’s finances onto a more secure footing.

Following a consultation meeting with local traders and community representatives, organisers will ensure that non-festival goers wishing to visit central shops and services will have free access to the Market Place.

This year’s Malton Food Lovers Festival on May 19 and 20, is expected to attract about 20,000 visitors.

Festival organiser Tom Naylor-Leyland said: “The Malton Food Lovers Festival is now regarded by many as Yorkshire’s finest food event and we are delighted that it will now have a sustainable long-term future, providing a quality experience for the thousands of visitors for years to come.”

Business owner Denys Townsend said he had been concerned about access to shops and businesses during the event if charging was introduced.

“As long as that is addressed I think it could work quite well – good luck to them.”

Malton ward member Paul Andrews, said: “I welcome the Estate's commitment to the food festival and understand the need to ensure that at least some of the cost is covered by revenue.

“Using wrist bands for entry to specific attractions is a clever way of raising revenue and should not make difficuties for non-paying residents using Market Place.

“Clearly there is a risk that imposing charges might put some visitors off, but hopefully the Malton Food Festival is by now so well-known that the town can expect the benefits of even more people coming to Malton this year.”

Wristbands bought in advance from www.maltonfoodfestival.co.uk will cost £4 and applicants will be fast-tracked into the festival over both days.

Payment will be accepted online from March 1. Visitors who arrive on the day will be able to buy their wristband for £5 and also receive a complimentary festival shopping bag and festival magazine. Visitors who are under 16 will not need a wristband.