THE officer in charge of tourism in Skipton has sought to reassure people a packed calender of events is taking place in the town over the coming weeks.

Following the cancellation of the Waterway Festival, which organisers partly put down to a 'lack of support' from the town council, and others, the council says it will support the event, if the organisers decided to stage it again.

Meanwhile, it has a number of events lined up. In addition to a Platinum Jubilee street party in June, it is preparing for the return of Sheep Day and will be supporting Skipton Gala, both in June.

Also coming up is Skipton Pride, including a party in Aireville Park, and new to the town - Skipton Foodie Weekend in August.

Hannah Corrigan, the town council's events and tourism manager, said the Waterway Festival, like Skipton Car Show were privately organised events which in the past had been assisted by the town council.

"The Waterway Festival and The Car Show are both privately organised events which in the past Skipton Town Council helped to facilitate in terms of staffing and road closures.

"However, the organisers for both events have decided not to go ahead this year. Should the organisers choose to re-establish these events in future, the town council would again support them."

The Queen Platinum Jubilee Street Party is on June 5; Skipton Sheep Day, June 26; , Skipton Pride July 2; Skipton Foodie Weekend August 13/14.

Ms Corrigan said: "The Foodie Weekend was added to the calendar this year to support the businesses surrounding the canal basin due to the loss of the Waterway Festival from the calendar.

"The weekend will feature food and drink traders on the canal basin on both the Saturday and Sunday, with music for all to enjoy.

"The event will support businesses in the whole town, Real Food are taking over the High Street on Sunday August 14. Restaurants and bars are invited to promote specials all weekend and be a part of the Food Trail Map."

Also coming up is the Gateways Festival, in July, in Aireville Park, and the Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival in July at Funkirk Farm, Broughton.

Ms Corrigan added: " Along with supporting Skipton Gala this summer, Skipton Town Council also supports the town's civic events, Armed Forced Day, VE Day, VJ Day, and Remembrance Day, as well as the winter events of the switching on of the Christmas lights and Christmas markets."