THE dates for this year's Burley Summer Festival have been announced, along with the beneficiaries of the event's surplus from last year.

Burley Summer Festival is a not-for-profit organisation run and is supported by volunteers, local businesses and community groups. Following the 2016 Festival, and at the annual general meeting it was agreed to make three charitable donations of £500 to each to the Burley Scout and Guides Hut Appeal, Save the Children and War Child.

On receiving the donation for Burley Scout and Guides Hut Appeal, Guide leader, Sue Vint said: “The leaders are thrilled with your gift and are very grateful. It will help our project of building a new Scout and Guide Headquarters which we so urgently need. We are now almost half way to our total of £400,000.”

Acknowledgments of thanks have also been received from Save the Children and War Child. A number of charities and organisations also benefited from funds raised during 2016's Festival events, including: Burley-Tereli Friendship Trust, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Nepal Earthquake Appeal, Marie Curie, the LS29 Group for families of children with additional needs and Manorlands hospice.

Burley Summer Festival Director, Syliva Tilford said: “2016 was another diverse and successful Festival with over 85 events in total, of which 46 had been free and others cost no more than a £1.

“The dates for the 2017 Burley Summer Festival have been confirmed as Saturday 19th August to Saturday 26th August. Planning is now underway which will include Festival favourites: the Classic Show, the Food and Drink Market, the Arts and Craft Market, the Wharfedale Chamber Ensemble's annual concert, an extended programme of walks organised by Walkers Are Welcome, the ever-popular Scarecrow Trail - along with a variety of children’s events and much more."

The Burley Summer Festival Committee is keen to receive suggestions for events that residents would like to be considered, or any which individuals or groups would like to offer.

The Festival offers an excellent opportunity for activity groups to offer taster sessions to attract new members. If you would like to put something forward please contact Sylvia Tiford on 01943 863218 or by e-mail at s.tilford@btinternet.com

A Festival programme will be delivered to all households in Burley, providing an opportunity for local businesses and organisations to advertise. Anyone interested in advertising should contact Danny Schofield on 07538 389535 or by e-mail at dannyschofield@btinternet.com