The Festival accepts an invitation to put a display in a Richmond shop window given to community groups.

In case you are wondering if your favourite composer is represented at this year's Swaledale Festival, or if you are curious as to the extent of our musical diversity, I have compiled a list.

Richmond Ringers have an open afternoon as part of the Festival on 7 June when they hope that, although entry is free, visitors will donate generously to their appeal for funds to do a complete refurbishment of their tower with new bells and frame and restoration of their historic bells in a form which enables them to be viewed and enjoyed.

However they also have a major fundraising event in the form of a cycle ride from Richmond, Surrey to  Richmond, Yorkshire during which they will also take in a fair amount of ringing at towers across the country.

I was fortunate to be invited to Taylor’s Bell Foundry in Loughborough the other day to witness the production of two new bells for the Festival’s main concert venue - St. Andrew’s in Grinton. 

On Sunday 15 May 2016, there will be a special concert at Tennants Garden Rooms in Leyburn entitled RHAPSODY  by the award winning Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Penny MBE.