An investigation has been launched after a gazebo blew over injuring two people at this weekend’s Dales Festival of Food and Drink in Leyburn.
The incident happened at around 6pm on Saturday evening at the top of the Market Place.
Eyewitnesses said a gazebo from a stall blew over and down the market place after being caught by a gust of wind.
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It knocked over several people in its path.
Two women suffered injuries that needed hospital treatment.
The women suffered cuts and bruises, with one suffering a hand injury. They were also both badly shaken by the incident.
It is understood an ambulance was called but the callers was told it would take two hours.
Instead, the women, one of which was aged in her 60s with the other in her 50s, were taken to the Friarage at Northallerton by car.
A witness who was in the Market Place at the time said: “It was scary stuff – we were sat just three feet away with our backs to it.
“The gazebo just took off and took out everybody who was in its path.
“It only stopped when it got wedged by the bus shelter and another tent and couldn’t go any further.”
Another said: “I was sat down with my back to it but then it came over my head.
“It was a freak accident but it shouldn’t have happened. It could have been a lot worse.”
The stall belonged to the event’s main sponsor, Wensleydale Creamery.
The company were at a different location in the Market Place ahead of the second day of the festival on Sunday.
David Hartley, Wensleydale Creamery managing director, said the company had launched an internal investigation into what happened.
“It was one of those very, very unfortunate things – one of those freak accidents that can happen.
“Obviously we will do everything we can to support the people that were affected by it.”
The event is organised by the Leyburn and Mid Wensleydale Partnership, which declined to comment.
Thousands of people have attended the event over the weekend, with more than 60 exhibitors taking part.
There was also craft and gift stalls, as well as live music, performances and cooking demonstrations.
