Wensleydale Community Arts Festival

Sunday 9th - Sunday 30th June 2024

Music | Dance | Poetry | Art | Crafts | Photography | Storytelling 
Demonstrations | Talks | Stalls | Refreshments

 

Last Update: 07.06.24 | CHANGES TO THE ADVERTISED PROGRAMME

If you would like to be part of the Festival please contact us.

 

 

During the Festival month...

Throughout the Festival | EXHIBITION | 'Around the Town' - Wensleydale Camera Club

Members of The Wensleydale Camera Club are linking up with businesses around the town to mount a display of their work. Have a wander and see the variety of images on display and experience the great independent shopping and food Leyburn has to offer.

In addition to the galleries and studios, the cafes, pubs and restaurants feature art by several local artists.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRAIL

Monday to Saturday | EXHIBITION | TGR - Art in the Cafe: Parallel Line

Ten new paintings created especially for the Swaledale Festival by Michael Bilton and Garry Brannigan will be on display throughout the Community Arts Festival.

18th to 30th June| EXHIBITION | TGR - Yorkshire Dales Photography Exhibition - cast your vote...

Local charity, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust's annual photographic competition. From nearly 100 entries, thirty-five finalists work will be on display. Visitors are invited to take in the public vote to select the winner.

 

The Programme - At a glance!

Subject to change without prior notice. Booking is advisable (click here or on each event/artist name).
Programme Leaflet (PDF download).
Last Update: 07.06.24 |CHANGES TO THE ADVERTISED PROGRAMME

Most festival venues are in Leyburn, North Yorkshire
SMC - St. Matthew's Church, Harmby Road. DL8 5FD
LACC - Leyburn Arts and Community Centre, Richmond Road. DL8 5DL
LMCH - Leyburn Methodist Church Hall, Railway Street. DL8 5BB
LLTH - Leyburn Library, Thornborough Hall. DL8 5AB
ORTH - The Oak Room, Thornborough Hall. DL8 5AB
TGR - The Garden Rooms at Tennants. DL8 5SG
WTBS - Wonky Tree Bookshop, Market Place. DL8 5BD

 


Saturday 1st June

10.00am - 4.00pm | SALE | LACC - Table Top Sale at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre - Fundraiser - all welcome.
10.30am - 11.15am | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome.

 


Tuesday 4th June

1.45pm - 2.30pm | STORY TELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome. SEE LIBRARY FACEBOOK PAGE FOR SESSION CONFIRMATION.
7.00pm | FILM | LACC - FOUR DAUGHTERS (15) | Tickets: £6 each (£5 for seniors). Box Office: 01969 624510

Exploring Film: A compelling portrait of five women in this documentary which weaves a heartbreaking narrative around Olfa, a Tunisian mother grappling with the loss of her two eldest daughters to Islamic extremism. (Subtitles)  Starring Olfa Hamrouni, Eya Chikhaoui, Tassir Chikhaoui | Running Time: 1hr 47m

 


Friday 7th June, 2024

6.00pm | FILM | LACC - WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (15) | Tickets: £6 each (£5 for seniors). Box Office: 01969 624510

When residents in 1920s Littlehampton begin to receive letters full of hilarious profanities, Irish migrant Rose is charged with the crime but, suspecting that something is amiss, the town’s women investigate. Stranger than fiction true story!  Starring Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman, Timothy Spall |  Running time: 1hr 40m

 


Saturday 8th June, 2024

10.30am - 11.15am | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome.
2.00pm - 5.00pm | WORKSHOP | TGR - The Young’uns Singing Workshop - as part of the Swaledale Festival | Tickets: £20.00 (U25s £3.00)

A fun and informal folksinging workshop for singers of all styles and abilities. Everyone is welcome.

7.30pm (Doors open 7.00pm) | MUSIC | TGR - The Young’uns in Concert - as part of the Swaledale Festival | Tickets: from £15.00 (U25s from £3.00)

The famous Teesside folk trio have captured countless hearts with their lusty acapella singing, heart-on-sleeve storytelling, and infectious banter.

10.00pm (Doors open 9.30pm) | MUSIC | TGR - Live Lounge: Richmond School Jazz Collective | Tickets: £10.00 (U25s from £3.00)

An informal session of swinging small-group jazz from the talented music students at Richmond School.

 


Sunday 9th June, 2024

EVENT CANCELLED | MUSIC | LMCH - Remembering D-Day - 80 years on

It is with regret that this event has been cancelled.

 


Tuesday 11th June, 2024

1.45pm - 2.30pm | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome.
7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm) | THEATRE | LMCH - Holmes and Watson: The Farewell Tour | Tickets: £15 (U18s £7.50)

BlueBoxt Creative and Pyramus and Thisbe Productions are thrilled to be bringing this hillarious live theatre performance to Leyburn. Holmes and Watson are brought to life by Julian Finnigan and Dominic Goodwin as they re-enact one of the detective's most baffling unrecorded cases - The Case of the Prime Minister, the Floozie and the Lummock Rock Lighthouse! Written by Stuart Fortey and Directed by David Robertson. Suitable for 12 years and over. U14s should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

 


Wednesday 12th June, 2024

6.30pm (doors open 6.15pm) | DANCE | LACC - Fund Dance with Carl and Joan Danvers | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Take part in a range of participatory dances such as line dancing, country dancing or just relax and enjoy a sequence dance demonstration.

 


Thursday 13th June, 2024

WORKSHOP CANCELLED | LMCH - Painting in Watercolour Workshop with Nora Yates | Tickets: £20.00 including materials and refreshments.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this session is unable to take place.

 


Friday 14th June, 2024

6.00pm | FILM | LACC - THE IRON CLAW (15) | Tickets: £6 each (£5 for seniors). Box Office: 01969 624510

The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers who, through tragedy and triumph both inside and outside of the ring, made history in the competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s.  Starring Zac Effron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson | Running time: ​2hrs ​12m

 


Saturday 15th June, 2024

10.30am - 11.15am | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome.
7.30pm (Doors 7.00pm)| MUSIC | LACC - MY GENERATION THE SOLID GOLD 60'S SHOW! | Tickets:  Box Office: 01969 624510

My Generation” is a nostalgic visual 60s show whose musicians provide popular songs from the Beatles, Searchers, Hollies, Dave Clark 5, Manfred Mann, Love Affair, Chris Farlowe, Jeff Beck, Kinks, Foundations, Norman Greenbaum, Roy Orbison, Turtles, Dion and the Belmonts, Chris Montez, Sam the Sham, Tremeloes, Tommy James & the Shondells, Temptations, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

 


Tuesday 18th June, 2024

10.00am - 4.15pm | BOOK HUNT | WTBS - Entries close 4.30pm on Saturday 22nd June

Collect your entry form from The Wonky Tree Bookshop in Leyburn Market Place and get searching! Can you find the hidden books around the Town?

1.45pm - 2.30pm | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome. SEE LIBRARY FACEBOOK PAGE FOR SESSION CONFIRMATION.

 


Wednesday 19th June, 2024

10.00am - 4.15pm | BOOK HUNT | WTBS - Entries close 4.30pm on Saturday 22nd

Collect your entry form from The Wonky Tree Bookshop in Leyburn Market Place and get searching! Can you find the hidden books around the Town?

 


Thursday 20th June, 2024

10.00am - 4.15pm | BOOK HUNT | WTBS - Entries close 4.30pm on Saturday 22nd June

Collect your entry form from The Wonky Tree Bookshop in Leyburn Market Place and get searching! Can you find the hidden books around the Town?

 


Friday 21st June, 2024

10.00am - 12.00pm | INFORMATION | LACC - U3A Open Day.

From Art to Spanish Conversation to Needlecraft, Technology and more.
Pop in for a cuppa and chat and see how you get involved with the Leyburn District of the U3A

10.00am - 4.15pm | BOOK HUNT | WTBS - Entries close 4.30pm on Saturday 22nd June

Collect your entry form from The Wonky Tree Bookshop in Leyburn Market Place and get searching! Can you find the hidden books around the Town?

2.00pm (Doors open 1.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Leyburn Recorder Consort | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Playing for pleasure is an important part of the social fabric and cultural heritage of the Dales. Leyburn Recorder Consort present a selection of popular pieces.

6.00pm | FILM | LACC - SWEDE CAROLINE (15) | Tickets: £6 each (£5 for seniors). Box Office: 01969 624510

When Caroline has her prize marrow plants stolen, the giant vegetable growing world is rocked by scandal in this British mockumentary about dirty tricks in the cutthroat world of horticulture competitions.  Starring Jo Hartley, Aisling Bea, Ray Fearon | Running time: 1hr ​38m

7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Richmond School Music Department | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Celebrate Make Music Day UK with some of the area's finest young musicians who attend Richmond School. Ahead of their forthcoming tour to Germany, the school’s Choirs, Concert and Jazz bands and ensemble groups present an evening of music from their Summer programmes.

7.30pm (Doors open 7.00pm) | MUSIC | Danby Wiske Village Hall - Gin & Jazz | Tickets: £12 including entry into a prize draw. | Call Angela Horner: 07887 903851

Enjoy an evening of Live Jazz, Local Spirits, Cocktails & Beer, with music from the Leyburn Jazz Collective.
This event is sponsored by The Wensleydale Spirit Company and Wensleydale Brewery.
Proceeds to Alzheimer's Society and BlueBoxt Creative and Performing Arts.

 


Saturday 22nd June, 2024

10.00am - 4.00pm | SALE | LACC - Plant Fayre - Part of Community Garden Project, all welcome.
10.00am - 4.15pm | BOOK HUNT | WTBS - Entries close 4.30pm on Saturday 22nd June (Today)

Collect your entry form from The Wonky Tree Bookshop in Leyburn Market Place and get searching! Can you find the hidden books around the Town?

10.30am - 11.15am | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome. SEE LIBRARY FACEBOOK PAGE FOR SESSION CONFIRMATION.
11.00am to 2.00pm | WORKSHOP | LMCH - Painting Workshop with Lynn Ward 'Inspired by the Dales' | Tickets: £20.00 including materials and refreshments.

Painting and drawing workshops are suitable for mixed abilities, whether you have a basic knowledge or you are an experienced practitioner. Materials are provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

2.00pm (Doors open 1.30pm) | STORYTELLING | SMC - David Watterson's interactive Puppet Workshop | Tickets: £7.50 Children, £5.00 Adults

Fun for all the family with David Watterson’s interactive puppet workshop and performance. Ideal for younger children to explore and discover storytelling through creative play with puppets.

7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | VARIETY | SMC - Dales Variety Show with Dales Dance, Wensleydale School and BlueBoxt Creative | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Celebrate Make Music Day UK and the Arts with some of the area's finest young performers. Dales Dance, Wensleydale School and BlueBoxt Creative come together to present an evening of entertainment which showcases the variety of performance arts taking place across Wensleydale and Swaledale.

 


Sunday 23rd June, 2024

11.00am - 4.15pm | MUSIC | LLTH - Family Fun Day at Thornborough Hall | FREE Entry

Fingers crossed for good weather as we transform the grounds of Thornborough Hall into a hub of activity for all ages.

Activities include
Giant Games and Circus Skills with Edwina and the team from North Yorkshire Youth, ‘Printing with Nature’ with Matt Magnus, Storytelling with Rhoda Frazer, Fundraising activities including a book exchange, tombola, guess the name and more...
Ice Cream and refreshments. | Teddybear's Picnic Area.

Performances throughout the day including
11.00am - BlueBoxt Performers,  2.30pm - Leyburn Band,  3.15pm - Maypole dancing with Dales Dance,  3.45pm - Leyburn Band.


Tuesday 25th June, 2024

1.45pm - 2.30pm | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome.
'Word and Music for a Summer's Evening'
7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | SPOKEN WORD | SMC - Tony Scully | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Local actor and writer Tony Scully shares a selection of his favourite anecdotes, poetry and short stories.

7.30pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - The Yoredale Strummers | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Enjoy a selection of sing-along popular favourites with The Yoredale Strummers Ukulele Group.

8.30pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Liffy | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Liffy is a gifted vocalist accompanied by Neil Lobley. Liffy will present a selection of popular easy-listening songs from artists such as David Bowie, Marty Webb and ABBA.


Wednesday 26th June, 2024

7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Musicality | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Enjoy a lively evening filled with FABULOUS SONGS with community choir Musicality, directed Andrea Rhodes and accompanied by Gillian Ash. From Broadway hits and pop standards (including Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Coldplay, Nina Simone) to folk and gospel and so much more!


Thursday 27th June, 2024

10.00am to 12.30pm | WORKSHOP | LMCH - Photo editing skills with The Wensleydale Camera Club | Tickets: £10.00 including refreshments.

Whether you have been taking photographs for some time or just starting out, this session will introduce digital editing skills and share hints and tips to create great-looking images. Participants are invited to bring a selection of images they would like to work on. Some computers will be available but you are encouraged to bring your own device(s) so you can work 'hands-on'.  

7.00pm | FILM | LACC - EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: MY NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON | Tickets: £12 each. Box Office: 01969 624510

The National Gallery of London is one of the world’s greatest art galleries. Everyone in this film has a special connection to the National Gallery, making for some heart-warming, moving and surprising stories.


Friday 28th June, 2024

6.00pm | FILM | LACC - THAT THEY MAY FACE THE RISING SUN (15) | Tickets: £6 each (£5 for seniors). Box Office: 01969 624510

Film based on the award-winning novel by John McGahern which follows a middle-aged writer returning with his artist wife to the countryside of his childhood.  An authentic portrayal of 1980’s rural Ireland celebrating the ordinary moments that shape our lives.  Starring  Barry Ward, Anne Bederke, Ruth McCabe | Running time: 1hr ​51m

7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | TALK, DRAMA & SPOKEN WORD | SMC - "From Wensleydale to the West End" - Nobby Dimon plus Donovan Leeman and Ian Caldwell | Tickets: £15 including buffet supper

Enjoy an evening with Nobby Dimon as he recalls anecdotes and insights as a writer, director and actor touring the country from Richmond, North Yorkshire.

“What happens when a piece of theatre originally created for village halls in North Yorkshire is taken up by London Producers and turned into an award-winning West End, Broadway and international hit? What are the gains and losses in the process? 

from Thoralby Village Hall to the American Airlines Theatre New York, playwright, director, and actor Dimon reveals the ripping yarn.”

Donovan Leeman and Ian Caldwell present a selection of their favourite poetry and prose.
Jennifer Saggers shares news of our young writer's project.


Saturday 29th June, 2024

10.30am - 11.15am | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome. SEE LIBRARY FACEBOOK PAGE FOR SESSION CONFIRMATION.
11.00am to 2.00pm | WORKSHOP | LMCH - Painting Workshop with Maxine Ahmed 'Exploring Watercolours' | Tickets: £20.00 including materials and refreshments.

Painting and drawing workshops are suitable for mixed abilities, whether you have a basic knowledge or you are an experienced practitioner. Materials are provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

2.00pm to 4.00pm | WORKSHOP | STUDIO - Creating 'Yorkshire Buttons' with Jan Bell | Tickets: £5.00 including materials.

Jan Bell's Garden Room workshops are perfect for exploring traditional crafts. Sessions are always popular, so book early to avoid disappointment.

3.00pm (Doors open 2.30pm) | MUSIC, SPOKEN WORD | SMC - Patrick Green - a passionate singer-songwriter and poet| Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Patrick Green is a singer/songwriter from Manchester currently living in rural North Yorkshire. His music style is eclectic and has evolved rather than staying in one tradition. Patrick shares a selection of his music and poetry.

4.00pm (Doors open 2.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Afternoon Concert with Colin Bailey and Fred Norman | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

An afternoon concert with Colin Bailey and Fred Norman. Enjoy a selection of popular favourites from the hit parade, stage and screen.
Including songs from artists such as Lionel Richie, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Elton John and many more.

7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Friends of Dave | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Acoustic duo Elizabeth Carter and Mick Yare present an eclectic mix of classic songs which have stood the test of time. From Dusty Springfield, Nick Drake to the Police and Bombay Bicycle Club.

8.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Leyburn Jazz Collective | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Leyburn’s very own Jazz Collective complete the evening with a selection of well-known favourites.


Sunday 30th June, 2024

2.00pm (Doors open 1.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Light My Choir and The Dales Community Pop Choir | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

The festival ends with two of Wensleydale’s community choirs directed by Debbie Allenby. Light My Choir – Wensleydale Community Gospel Choir and The Dales Community Pop Choir present an afternoon of uplifting and popular music.

2.00pm | FILM | LACC - Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show | Tickets: £12 each 
Box Office: 01969 624510
2.30pm | MUSIC | GRINTON CHURCH - Richmond Chamber Orchestra | Tickets from £8.00 - £15.00

Following their sell-out concert in The Georgian Theatre, Richmond, North Yorkshire's new orchestra presents another sparkling concert of music for strings under director Philippa Mo. The programme has something for everyone with music from northern, southern, eastern and western Europe including Bach, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Tabakova and Vivaldi.