FIVE days of torrential rain and numerous thunderstorm warnings had little impact on the thousands that turned out to the Gateways Festival at Aireville Park, Skipton, say its delighted organisers, who are already planning another event next year.

The three day outdoor cinema and live music festival, which took place earlier this month, was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was one of the few festivals to take place this year since the Covid lockdown restrictions were lifted on July 19.

Organisers say despite the miserable conditions it was obvious that festival goers were desperate to get out and enjoy themselves after spending over a year at home. No masks were to be seen from the main stage, just broad smiles on faces of people enjoying themselves.

Gateways, which featured bands including Razorlight, Feeder, Scouting for Girls, Lightning Seeds, Buzzcocks along with many others, and culminated in a huge fireworks display, was hailed a success by organisers who were delighted by the level of support despite the uncertainty around Covid.

Director Eddie-Elliott Smith said "It's really nice to just see everybody out dancing along to the music, having a drink and just enjoying themselves. Seeing people sat in a field in torrential rain watching the movies just showed how much people wanted this. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and we can’t thank people enough for the support they’ve shown.”

Planning for next year, which will see further developments based on customer feedback, is already underway leaving no uncertainty that this newcomer on the festival scene is here to stay.