Kites coursing across Reeth Green; resounding drum beats and dancing skirts; the clickety-clack of clogs, clapsticks and tap shoes; the clang of quoits and the stirring sound of local brass…

From 29 to 31 May we organised a FREE Family Fun Weekend in Reeth - three days of outdoor workshops and performances including kite-making, maypole, a wide array of dance from performers of all ages, local choirs and bands, roving samba, a singing workshop with The Young'uns and quoits.

The sun shone, 518 kites were made (and flown!) and we loved every moment. We couldn't have done it without the support and energy of the local community. Our heart-felt thanks to everyone - performers, volunteers and audience - who contributed - browse some photos here.

"It gave me a new sense of the importance of festivals to creative life. After the long gap due to COVID, the feeling comes back more forcibly. Swaledale is one of my favourite festivals, anywhere in the world!" - Volunteer

May and June also saw a much-appreciated return to (socially distanced!) performances. We were delighted to welcome folk superstars The Young’uns, early music adventurers The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments and Welsh harp virtuoso Catrin Finch with Senegalese kora master Seckou Keita.

We were entranced by Hildegard Transfigured - a performance of beautiful medieval vocal music with a stunning light show at St. Mary’s Church in Richmond as part of the Richmond 950 Celebrations. And in Josquin to Jones; Schubert to Sting, we were treated to a celebration of lute songs through the ages, including the world premieres of brand new songs by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones and fellow rock star Sting! 

Further events are planned in July, August, September and October, including Lotte Betts-Dean and Sean Shibe, The Hut People, Solus Trumpet Ensemble and Aurora Percussion Duo. As usual, tickets for all Swaledale Festival concerts this year will be available for under 25’s at just £3.