IT may be that a difference of opinion was just what was needed for two like-minded camps to realise that they both want to travel in the same direction.

The idea of an Ilkley Festival to bring in the tourists is a terrific one. Let's get everyone involved, apply for funding and watch the whole idea take off and rise into something we can all be proud of.

Wait a minute. don't we already have an annual festival which has been running for almost 100 years? Yes we most certainly do, say the organisers of the Wharfedale Music Festival. But to judge from many people in the town, and the amount of locals who actually attend the Gala Concert at the end of two weeks of cultural excellence, hardly anyone knows about it.

No wonder the organisers of the Wharfedale Music Festival, rated as one of the best such events in the country, feel a bit miffed and ignored. There may be an idea that the Wharfedale Music Festival is too highbrow for ordinary people to enjoy. But nothing could be further from the truth especially in the light of recent innovations aimed at increasing its appeal.

And work to include more young people is going on at the moment which should pay dividends. The idea of an Ilkley Festival is terrific and could, in the same way as the Grassington Festival, produce a terrific boost for tourism in the area.

But the most important consideration is that we already have the tradition and infrastructure to build on in the shape of the Wharfedale Music Festival. It may be that other events could be added such as lectures, films and dances, which would boost its attraction.

While we have such a marvellous event up and running, we should realise that a lot of the the hard work has already been done.