Organisers say the success of the weekend celebrations has raised hopes that the festival will continue and they have already set a date for the 2009 event.

Festival-goers enjoyed three days of top-class music ranging from punk rockers the Buzzcocks to the return of festival favourites Waterson:Carthy, who had performed at the first-ever event 25 years ago.

Colourful dancers and musicians brought the town's streets alive despite the unsettled weather and the festival village in the grounds of the Leisure Centre was buzzing with activities and children's events.
Festival director Chris Wade said that the event had been a huge success and many people had expressed support for the festival.
"It was really excellent, with some great concerts and some really good feedback," she said.

Ms Wade said the highlights of the weekend included the Sunday night concert by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and the performance by veteran politician Tony Benn, who with Roy Bailey presented a history of political dissent in words and song.

She said tickets for most of the events had been snapped up, particularly over the few days before the festival and during the weekend itself.

However, Ms Wade said the festival will still have made a financial loss and organisers are now considering possible ways of recouping the losses after losing out on some crucial grants this year.

"We lost so much funding that we won't break even by any means, but we are hoping to see if we can recoup some of the losses," she said.

"Everyone wants to carry on with the festival, and it is a matter of working out how we can do it. A lot of people are keen for it to stay in Beverley and we are listening to them. If we can make it work that is what I would like to do. Everyone was very positive but we have to be realistic. The volunteers and people working with the festival are very positive and we need to see how we can move forward with their help."

Ms Wade said the date of the 2009 festival has already been set for June next year.