Wensleydale Community Arts Festival

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: 29.05.25 | Programme available to download.

Festival Venues (Wensleydale)
AVH - Askrigg Temperance Village Hall, DL8 3HT
LACC - Leyburn Arts and Community Centre, Richmond Road. DL8 5DL
LLTH - Leyburn Library, Thornborough Hall. DL8 5AB
LMCH - Leyburn Methodist Church Hall, Railway Street. DL8 5BB
SMC - St. Matthew's Church, Harmby Road. DL8 5FD
TGR - The Garden Rooms at Tennants. DL8 5SG
WBVH - West Burton Village Hall, West Burton, DL8 4JY
WTBS - Wonky Tree Bookshop, Market Place. DL8 5BD

Sunday 8th June, 2025

Dales Dance present Roald Dahl's 'Matilda The Musical JR.'

2.00pm (Doors open 1.00pm)| THEATRE | Richmond School Hall | Tickets: TBC

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda JR. is a joyous one-hour junior version of the Broadway and West End hit musical. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Full details and ticket information can be found on our the Dales Dance Facebook Page.

Tuesday 10th June, 2025

Public Meeting - Developing Arts Facilities in Wensleydale and Swaledale

7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm)| CONSULTATION | AVH | FREE

Ryedale Creative were commissioned to undertake the research funded by the UK Strategic Prosperity Fund.

Is there a potential future use for Uredale Mill - the former Carrs Billington food mill site?

Join BlueBoxt and Ryedale Creative as we

Unveiling the findings of the
Enterprise and Creative Hub Feasibility Study - a creative vision for Wensleydale and Swaledale. 

Shape the Future
Share thoughts and ideas on creating a dynamic hub to support rural arts, enterprise, and employment.  

Get Involved
Learn about the exciting next steps and find out how we can all play a role in bringing this project to life.

Refreshments will be available.

Our thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. Information will also be displayed at peformance venues throughout the Festival.

Wednesday 11th June, 2025

7.30pm (Doors 7.00pm) | THEATRE | AVH - SWITCHEROO | Tickets: £15 each (£7.50 U18s)

BlueBoxt Creative and Clap Trap Theatre in association with York Theatre Royal presents: Switcheroo - a story told twice! Written by Tom Needham | Directed by Paul Birch | Click to see showreel.

"It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it."

We are thrilled to welcome back popular actors Dominic Goodwin, Thomas Frere and Cal Stockbridge with their latest touring production.
Witness this emotional rollercoaster of live theatre as a family’s secrets are revealed and presented as both a serious drama and a comedy.

Friday 13th June, 2025

6.00pm | FILM | LACC - WIDOW CLICQUOT (15) | Tickets: £6 each (£5 for seniors). Box Office: 01969 624510
The story behind the Veuve Clicquot champagne family and business that began in the late 18th Century.  Starring Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Sam Riley. | Running time: 1hr 30m

Evening Concert

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

Simon Lester recently moved to Wensleydale and is passionate about community music-making. Together with The Fox at West Witton, he has established a regular open mic night, encouraging local musicians and artists to come together and share their talents.  Simon performs a selection of popular songs and shares stories of his musical connections. 

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

 A close harmony group, The Pearls have been singing together for over fifteen years and have performed in numerous concerts and charity events, including the BrowsonBeats music festival. Their repertoire spans the decades from the 1960s to the 2020s.

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

Somewhere Road are a locally based band featuring Paul Greenwood (Vocals and Guitar), Will Foster (Mandolin, Guitar and Harmonica), Matthew Codd (Keyboard and Vocals) and Paul Hetherington (Percussion). The band perform original songs written by Paul Greenwood and a mix of covers, expect a fusion of different styles and a glimpse into the inspiration behind the music.

Saturday 14th June, 2025

10.00am to 1.00pm | 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.

10.30am - 11.15am | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome.

A Day of Music, Song and Spoken Word

2.00pm (Doors open 1.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Easy Listening with The Stanley Duo | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

The Stanley Duo are Angela Horner (Trumpet) and Steve Wright (Saxophone) who will be performing a programme of easy listening Jazz Standards.

2.30pm (Doors open 1.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - Songs from the Movies with Gail Barlow and Colin Bailey | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Vocalists Gail Barlow and Colin Bailey take a trip down memory lane with a presentation of popular songs from the stage and screen.

4.00pm (Doors open 1.30pm) | MUSIC | SMC - At the Organ with Geoff Hirst | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Enjoy a rare treat as the organ at St. Matthew's takes centre stage.
Geoff Hirst is Organist at St. Andrews Church, Aysgarth.

5.00pm (Doors open 1.30pm) | SPOKEN WORD | SMC - Donovan Leaman | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Donovan Leaman 'The Raconteur' - Poetry, Prose and Readings

We are delighted that Dono has agreed to support the Festival and present a selection of poetry, prose and readings from his collection including a nostalgic trip back to November 1947, when first introduced Paul Gallico's beautiful prose, "The Snow Goose". If you have not heard Dono before, then here is the perfect opportunity to take a pew and be entertained by the master of spoken word.

7.30pm (Doors open 7.00pm) | MUSIC | SMC - The Colin Bailey Band | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Expect an evening of all time favourites from the 50s and 60s and maybe a couple of more recent hits too!
Colin (Vocals and Drums) is joined by Elizabeth Carter (Vocals and Percussion),  John Raine (Vocals and Percussion), Mick Yare (Lead and Acoustic Guitars), Dan Harwood (Rhythm Guitar) and John Keeler (Bass)

Sunday 15th June, 2025

'Tea and Cake with Leyburn Band'

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

Festival favourites Leyburn Band present an afternoon concert featuring a selection of popular music from their Summer Programme.

Tuesday 17th June, 2025

'Music for a Summer's Evening'

7.00pm (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.

8.00pm (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 
Adele, Shirley Bassey and Elton John.

Wednesday 18th June, 2025

Colours [Fun]draising Fashion Show with entertainment

7.00pm (Doors 6.30pm) | Fashion, Crafts & Music | WBVH | Tickets £5 inc. welcome drink.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS

Friday 20th June, 2025

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

Historical drama focusing on the 1972 Munich Olympics from the perspective of the ABC Sports crew and highlighting its transition from coverage of the Olympics to reporting on the hostage situation involving Israeli athletes. ​ Starring Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin. | Running time: 1hr 35m

"Evening Concert - Music & Friendship"

[Please Note: This performance takes place in Leyburn Methodist Church Hall]

7.00pm (Doors open 6.30pm) | MUSIC | LMCH - 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 | LMCH - Light My Choir! | Tickets: Donations (Pay what you can afford - suggested donation £5)

Light My Choir! are a mixed voice community choir who sing uplifting spiritual and popular songs for pleasure. Established in 2023 by Debbie Allenby and Colin Bailey, the choir welcome new members throughout the year. The choir will share a selection of the songs from their current repertoire.

Saturday 21st June, 2025

10.00am to 1.00pm | WORKSHOP | Painting Workshop with Maxine Ahmed 'Exploring Watercolours' | Unfortunately, this event has been postponed to 2026.

'Flowers and Cake Toppers' -
NEW DATE: Saturday 21st June

10.00am to 2.00pm | WORKSHOP | LMCH - Cake Decorations with Jo Dear | Tickets: £20.00 including materials and refreshments.

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.

"Jo is a wonderful teacher and makes her demonstrations and workshops a lot of fun. Everything is explained in a natural, easy-to-understand way and includes hints and tips to help you produce cake toppers at home." 

You will complete a display of handmade sugar roses, buds, berries and filler flowers on a board which you can take home and decorate your own cake if you wish.

Jo has her own successful cake business - Just Cakes and is a British Sugarcraft Guild Accredited Demonstrator.  She has a PME Professional Master's Certificate in Cake Decorating, which includes specialities in Sugar Flowers, Royal Icing & Piping and Sugar Paste.

10.30am - 11.15am | STORYTELLING | LLTH - Story Time at Leyburn Library - Weekly event, all welcome.

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

[Please Note: This performance takes place in Leyburn Methodist Church Hall]

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 22nd June, 2025

'Closing concert with The Dales Community Pop Choir'

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

We close the Festival with an afternoon concert by The Dales Community Pop directed by Debbie Allenby.
The Choir will present an afternoon of uplifting and popular music as part of their 10th Anniversary celebrations.

Click here to see The 2025 Festival Programme [Updated 29.05.25]

Wensleydale Community Arts Festival Poster 2025