Grassington Festival has set a world record and the fruits of its labours can be seen around the village.

The festival, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, has put up 2,696 metres of bunting – the longest ever. The previous record stood at 2,300 metres.

To launch this year’s programme, which is sponsored by Skipton Building Society and supported by the Craven Herald, a carnival parade was held on Friday, involving lots of local children.

“It was a great start,” said Amelia. “So far everything has been wonderful and the weather has been kind for outside events. We hope that will continue.”

Another early highlight was the inaugural Grassington Go-Kart Hill Climb when the main street was transformed into a race track.

There were about 20 entrants and 1,000 spectators – and one minor injury. Local Congregational minister and go-kart competitor Peter Thomas was slightly hurt when he was run over by another chariot!

The festival goes further afield on Saturday when Skipton Castle will come alive with tales and music from international story- teller Hugh Lupton at 4.30pm. Music comes from Horses Brawl and the ticket includes entry to the castle.

There’s also family fun in Grassington Square on Saturday as the streets will be filled with music, mayhem and street theatre from around the world. Highlights include The Bollywood Brass Band, The Maniax – named street entertainers of the year 2009 – and the Clogghoppers, described as the smallest bluegrass banjo orchestra with circus tricks in the world.

Rounding off the afternoon will be a grand outdoor barn dance and hoe-down with The Last Chance Saloon Band from 6pm to 8pm.

On Saturday evening there is a moonlit walk with tales from Hugh Lupton followed by a midnight feast at Grassington House, plus a chance to see the work of art on Elbolton Hill which will be twinkling in the moonlight.

On Sunday, there is an afternoon of traditional brass band music on the green at Linton, followed by an evening performance from jazz songstress Jacqui Dankworth in Grassington Town Hall.

On Monday there is wine tasting with Joe Fattorini at the Fountaine Inn, Linton, and poetry with Ian McMillan in the town hall.

On Tuesday, the focus moves to the tented village at Colvend for the Festival in the Field events.

The opening event will be a “Last Night of the Proms” with Skipton Camerata and tenor Mark LeBrocq, followed by fireworks.

Other field performers include the Manfreds, Rick Wakeham and The Proclaimers.

“Grassington Festival is the place to be for the next 10 days, thanks to all our wonderful supporters and artistes,” said festival chairman Claire Gains.

For further information and online booking, visit grassington-festival.org.uk or call the box office on 01756 752691.