THOUSANDS of mods and ska fans have descended on a North Yorkshire woodland garden for a new music festival.

The inaugural Great Northern Mod and Ska Festival opened today (Friday, August 28) at Thorp Perrow Arboretum near Bedale in North Yorkshire.

Set in the 85-acre wooded grounds, it will feature dozens of music acts over the coming weekend. Headline acts appearing throughout the festival include Craig Charles Funk and Soul, The Selecter and Bad Manners, who will play alongside Nine Below Zero, Secret Affair and The Lambrettas.

As well as attracting some leading ska bands, it will also feature a scooter "show n shine" event and on Sunday (August 30) there will be a scooter rally and ride out through the Yorkshire Dales. It will follow part of the Tour de France route over Buttertubbs pass, with stops at Hawes and Reeth. The ride out will raise funds for the air ambulance and on returning to the festival will conclude with a small rally with prizes.

There will also be activities for young people throughout the weekend such as “build a scooter” workshops, skarchery, drumming, crafts and glow cave.

The event has been organised by Great Northern Festivals (GNF), a team of musicians and music-loving professionals who also organise the Richmond Live music event.