Over a packed fortnight in late May and early June, Swaledale Festival burst over the northern Dales, filling its chapels, churches and halls with exquisite classical, folk, world and jazz music, as well as film, theatre, comedy, talks and participatory workshops. Festival-goers were transported by canonical masterpieces, surprising re-inventions, globe-trotting grooves and skilful improvisations. Walkers explored the area’s unique landscape, and workshop participants tried their hand at walling, ‘ink and stick’ art, poetry-writing, foraging and folksinging. Behind the scenes, the Festival took outstanding musicians into four schools and four care homes to perform for pupils and residents, and arranged a concert in a prison that was deeply moving and memorable for inmates and staff. A huge thank you to our artists, volunteers, sponsors and to you – the audience - who make Swaledale Festival the collective cultural celebration that it is.
Click HERE for a pictorial journey through the 2024 Festival.
Swaledale Festival 2025 will run from 24 May to 7 June. We hope to see you next year!
The film was made by Howell Film and features music from a track called Bling Bling from the album Plum Lane by The Matt Wates Sextet. The piece was written and arranged by Matt Wates.