ORGANISERS of a popular Ribble Valley festival are to push ahead with the event, despite the outbreak of foot and mouth.

Thousands of visitors are set to descend on Clitheroe next month for a massive festival of music, dance and theatre.

The Clitheroe Great Days Festival takes place on June 8, 9 and 10 at venues across the historic town, and organisers are banking on a bumper crowd.

And Seamus Heffernan, on the management team for the event, said the event will go ahead, even though the Valley has been gripped by foot and mouth.

He said: "This event is based mainly in the town, and we have been told by the council there is nothing to worry about in terms of urban-based events.

"Of course, that could change but at the moment it is all systems go for us and we are looking forward to it."

He said the only possible problem visitors will face is not being allowed to walk on public footpaths near to the Edisford Bridge campsite, which is the official campsite of the event.

The event is now in its sixth year, and will be based across 13 places in the town over the three days.

From street theatre at the bus and rail interchange to poets and monologues in the Parish Hall, Mr Heffernan says there will be something for everyone.

Clowns, jugglers and magicians will all weave their way around the town centre.

Mr Heffernan said: "The event began in 1996 as a one-day, music-based event in an attempt to promote live music and it has snowballed ever since.

"This year's event will now incorporate four concerts, traditional dancing, street theatre, a ceilidh, pun sessions, a marching brass band and a showing of the film Woodstock."

And visitors wanting that true festival feel will be able to partake in an activity believed to be unique to the Ribble Valley -- indoor camping.