Wensleydale Community Arts Festival

A vibrant celebration of creativity set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. 

Bringing together local artists, performers, and makers, the festival offers a rich mix of artistry, exhibitions, workshops, spoken word, and live music.

Whether you’re a passionate art lover or simply looking for an inspiring activity, this welcoming community event showcases the very best of the region’s talent and culture.

Twice Nightly

A part of the Wensleydale Community Arts Festival

Freddie Francis has been a second spot comic for thirty years, touring the country on every variety bill going.
We find him in 1956, recalling his life spent touring the halls; the ups, the downs, the riotous, the fantastic and the downright silly!
He recalls his days entertaining the troops during the war, playing at the infamous Glasgow Empire, and we discoverwhat really happened when a speciality act lost her snake on stage!!

Ultimately, Twice Nightly is a fading memory of the variety stage. The death of something that has been part of everyone’s life for decades is now on the decline. Where will Freddie go when he finishes this tour?  Who will he go back to, and ultimately who really cares?

Twice Nightly also includes routines from amongst others: Max Miller, Rob Wilton, Jimmy James and Norman Evans and renditions of many of the popular songs of the time, such as The Man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo, Happy days are here again and Goodnight Sweetheart.

'Inspired by the Dales'

A Painting Workshop with Lynn Ward

A part of the Wensleydale Community Arts Festival

We are delighted Lynn has agreed to lead a workshop and share her experiences as an artist living and working in and being inspired by the Yorkshire Dales.

Lynn is an established Wensleydale Artist whose collection includes murals, sculptures, commissions, prints and cards. 

The workshops are suitable for mixed abilities. All materials and equipment for the workshops are provided and included in the cost. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

'Evening Concert'

A part of the Wensleydale Community Arts Festival

A Rockin' Lid'l Duo - Rod Baxter and Thomas Linckh present a selection of songs from across the Decades.
The Pearls - Close harmony group, The Pearls present a selection of their popular repertoire which spans the decades from the 1960s to the 2020s.
Bee Darceey - Known for her soulful voice, mellow sound and moments of powerful vocals. Rooted in folk and country influences, music centres on feeling.

Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £8 per performance.