THE devastating economic effects of the foot and mouth epidemic in Ilkley could be blown away by the town's own annual cultural festival.

The idea of an Ilkley Festival was outlined to parish councillors and there have already been questions asked in City Hall about the project.

An Ilkley Festival on the lines of the Grassington Festival could attract thousands of extra visitors and bring a much needed fillip to the tourist industry and local businesses. But the idea has got one parish councillor in hot water with the organisers of Ilkley's Wharfedale Music Festival.

Already parish councillors are in the process of forming a dedicated local events committee in the aftermath of the success of the Queen's Jubilee street party. Their job would be to promote and organise events such as the Civic Dinner and Ilkley/Coutances twinning exchange visit reception.

The idea of the cultural festival is being promoted by Ilkley district councillor Anne Hawkesworth who wants to give residents more chances to 'let their hair down', as they did at the street party.

She told parish councillors: "We have a lot of interesting projects within the valley but the areas we can let our hair down are few and far between. I am also aware of the need to attract people into the valley, keeping shops viable and busy.

"We could have a festival of music and drama, like Grassington Festival. It would be a useful thing to do and a fun thing to do. I have spoken to the chairman of Addingham Parish Council who thinks it is a super idea."

She said that the event could last for a few days and include the placing of a marquee as a performance centre.

"Maybe we should be looking towards forming the Wharfedale Festival Company Ltd. I have already spoken to the director of culture in Bradford. I don't expect any funding from Bradford but I expect funding from the lottery," said Coun Hawkesworth.

However, the idea has been criticised for ignoring the Wharfedale Music Festival, which includes music, dance and drama, as well as jazz and brass bands.

Elizabeth Holbrook, secretary of the Wharfedale Music Festival, said that Councillor Hawkesworth should take more notice of the festival which has been running for almost 100 years and attracts many visitors to the town.

Miss Holbrook said: "We have got a lot of those things in the Wharfedale Music Festival but she never mentions the Wharfedale.

"She didn't come to the Gala Concert which is on her own doorstep. She should come to Wharfedale. We already get a lot of people into the area."

Recently the Wharfedale Music Festival has expanded the type of activity being put on and now includes samba, rock bands and Asian music and dance. The festival has also become involved with children with special needs and puts on musical and dance workshops.

There are plans to increase its appeal to young people to try to dispel the idea that