Skipton's Medieval Festival may become too expensive to run in the future, it has been claimed.

The festival, which will take place over the next two Sundays, has been held for the past 12 years.

It is organised by the town's Chamber of Trade and Commerce to offset the dip in takings traders experience after Christmas.

Speaking at a Chamber of Trade meeting, president Joan Evans said the event cost £18,000 to stage and it was hard to know whether it would break even.

Vice-president Dave Parker said: "It's expensive to put on. We are in the second of a three- year period of sponsorship from Craven District Council. In future years this means we have to be careful we don't start losing money on it.

"A few years ago we debated whether it should actually take place at all due to the money and the workload."

Mrs Evans said plans were going well for this year's event, however, and it was shaping up to be the most popular festival yet.

Just over 100 coaches are booked in to visit Skipton for the event.

The influx of coaches is dealt with using a tried and tested drop off and pick up' system in part of the Coach Street car park, with the coaches parked at Skipton auction mart while visitors enjoy the town's attractions.

Well over 10,000 people are expected to teem into the town, and the High Street will be closed to traffic on the two Sundays to make way for a programme of entertainment.

Skipton's market will be in full swing on both days, supplemented by an array of stalls and sideshows set up by charities and non-profit-making organisations from in and around Skipton.

There is also a full programme of entertainment across the town, including regular performances in the High Street Arena'.

One of the most eagerly awaited features is the medieval fight re-enactments and, once again, the Sheffield-based Knights In Battle will be demonstrating how arguments were settled in medieval times. Other entertainment will include traditional dancing by the Flagcrackers Of Craven and music from Skipton and Barnoldswick brass bands and the Accrington Pipe Band.

For the first time, Craven's Penny Plain Theatre Company will be performing a specially-written seasonal play.

Street entertainers, including stilt-walkers, and a Punch and Judy show will be performing at various locations around town.

The finale on each Sunday is the traditional children's lantern procession at 4pm, which parades up the High Street to Holy Trinity Church for carol singing in the church grounds.

Mr Parker said: "Our lantern-making workshop last weekend was so busy we had to turn some people away, sadly.

"We very much hope that everyone who made a lantern - including those who also made them at school during the previous week - will join us for the procession to round off each day."

Events on each of the two Sundays will start at around 10am and Skipton High Street will be closed to traffic from 7am until 5pm.

Skipton Town Council is asking drivers not to leave their cars on the High Street overnight on Saturday.

Mr Parker said: "It is essential that the High Street is clear of traffic so that market traders can set up their stalls and we can set up the main events arena.

"The road is closed to traffic from 7am, but we would ask that drivers coming into town on Saturday evening find alternative parking arrangements."

Reminder notices have been placed on the High Street all week.

Free maps and event schedules for the Medieval Festival will be available on the day or can be picked up now from the Tourist Information office on Coach Street, the town hall or the Skipton Town Council offices on the High Street.