HOPES of bringing royalty to the 1999 Skipton Gala could be in vain because other planned events are being hampered by problems.

The hub of the centenary gala will be a massive battle re-enactment by The Sealed Knot historical society - but host venue Aireville Park is not big enough to accommodate the 3,000 members expected to "invade" Skipton.

So an urgent plea has gone out to any nearby landowners who can find a free field for some of the society, which will be reconstructing a Civil War battle camp over a weekend next June.

But until organisers can promise Britain's biggest re-enactment society enough room they can't be booked, and all the other planned events are being held up as a knock-on effect.

And as Buckingham Palace is already compiling its 1999 visits diary, Skipton could lose out despite royal officials giving a promising response to an invitation by Gala Committee secretary Glynn Beresford.

Glynn said: "We have hit problems, especially with providing camping space for the Sealed Knot.

"We have already had to scale plans for the whole battle down. We were going to have 3,000 fighting men and now it's down to 1,000 and we hope to bring a number of fighting horses as well.

"But we need the space for all this. When you have 1,000 fighting men, they are likely to bring wives and girlfriends and their families. We are certain to be talking at least 3,000 people invading Skipton that weekend.

"On gala day itself you can see the population of Skipton increase by at least 10,000 as people flood in from as far as Newcastle and Wales. For 1999 there is likely to be a lot more."

It is hoped visitors to the gala will be treated to Concorde and the Battle of Britain Flight roaring overhead, before they wander up to Aireville Park and enter the main arena to be transported back in time.

The whole camp will be set up just as it would have been centuries ago, and the main battle at tea time will last around two hours.

The Sealed Knot is made up of members from all over the country, and next year some will be coming from abroad for the June 12 spectacular, if space can be found.

Glynn added: "There are a few fields around Aireville Park, out towards Gargrave Road roundabout and we could really do with using them.

"We were intending to use Skipton Castle but the owners have some sort of exhibition on next year and they said Aireville Park would be more suitable anyway, which I found difficult to understand!

"I am pretty fed up at the moment because time is racing on and I am worried that if this doesn't get sorted this year we are going to be in trouble.

"We need to have the full programme of events sorted out by January.

"Until we get this main event sorted out we can't organise any other attractions, or even give Buckingham Palace any firm plans."

Anyone who feels they can help the Gala Committee with an offer of land or cash sponsorship should call Glynn Beresford on 01756 794849.

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