North Yorkshire’s only four day music event, the Willowman, has moved location to a custom built show and events venue.

Hillside Rural Adventure Park will now host the summer solstice celebration of music and local produce.

Centrally placed between the historic Yorkshire towns of Thirsk and Northallerton the new site boasts flat camping areas, panoramic views of the Hambleton hills, campsite water points and easy access from the A19.

Willowman director Steve Williams was keen to explain the reasons behind the festival uprooting and moving from its current venue. He said “The Willowman festival has gone from strength to strength since its inaugural outing in 2010, and we felt that it was time to move the event to a site which was more able to cope with the demands of a professionally run, family orientated festival. Ease of access, well drained car parks and nice flat camping areas might not sound very rock and roll but the modern festival goer expects to attend safely organised events at fit for purpose locations.”

Not content with simply moving site, the Willowman has undergone a number of changes in preparation for its third outing.

Most noticeable to previous Willowman attendees is the new Steampunk inspired website and artwork.

Willowman Media and marketing officer Sid Ambrose commented “We have rebranded the festival for 2012, we teased out the very Yorkshire flavour of the event and had some real fun creating unique images which help visualise the Directors combined passions for music and local produce.”

Several changes in the musical direction of the festival have also contributed to a fresher look for the June event. A total of four unique stages will entertain the masses, with a first time Willowman appearance for the ever popular Axis Reggae Soundsystem. Well known on the festival circuit, the Axis DJ, s MC, s and Toasters will provide a nostalgic trip back to 1970’s Jamaica. Also making a Willowman debut will be the Creative Intentions Chill Out Café, a mix of open mic sessions and handpicked acoustic performers will ensure a tranquil space where the audience can catch its breath and rest its feet.

Regular visitors to the Willowman will be reassured to see that it is not all change for this summer. The events main stage and willow wobbly bar stage are offering up their usual blend of veteran performers and freshly discovered acts. Highlights of the four days will include appearances from Utah Saints, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Ex Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell and LA based soul outfit Vintage Trouble. The inclusions of Festival stalwarts Jah Wobble and 3 Daft Monkeys will ensure that the third Willowman festival is the most eclectic to date.

The event swings its gates open to the public at noon on the 21st June and runs through to the 24th. Adult tickets are priced at £70.00 for the four days.

More information HERE.