COUNCIL officials are hoping to draw up a programme of events for the revamped St George’s Square.

But, as yet, the only one confirmed for the £4m square is the Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival – and that’s not until August.

The festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and organisers are hoping it will be the biggest and best yet.

Last year’s event, which was held in the square while it was being renovated, attracted more than 50,000 visitors.

The only major public event held so far in the square since the completion of the major revamp was the Festival of Light, which was a spectacular success.

The revamp of the square (pictured during the works) attracted much criticism, but leading Kirklees Council figures insisted it would leave the town with a venue suitable for many major public events.

Ideas suggested in the past include bringing back the successful Proms concerts, which were held in Dewsbury last year and in Greenhead Park the previous year.

But, as yet, nothing has been pencilled in.

Meanwhile, Food Festival organisers hope to tempt many local businesses to get involved.

They are offering “early bird” rates for booking stalls at the festival, which will run from Thursday, August 12, to Sunday, August 15.There has been a resurgence of interest in locally-sourced and produced food, culminating in this week’s Food Awards, organised by the Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Julie Stewart-Turner.

Town Centre Manager Cathy Burger, said: “This year is the 10 anniversary of the event and we want to make it the best yet.

“As well as the usual cooking demonstrations, cook-offs, beer and wine tastings and food and drink stalls, we are planning lots of exciting activities and we’d like to encourage more of our local food and drink businesses to get involved.

“The Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Julie Stewart-Turner, has done amazing work this year to encourage and support local food and we would like to see more local produce on offer at the festival.

“The festival is a great way to promote your business and produce. It’s the largest food and drink festival in West Yorkshire and last year attracted over 50,000 visitors.

“There are lots of opportunities for local businesses to get involved this year to make the festival a huge success.”

Businesses can download an application form from the festival website (www.foodanddrinkfestival.co.uk) or they can contact the festival co-ordinators on 01484 487933 or by email htcpl@kirklees.gov.uk