Music to ring out across the Dales with the return of the Swaledale Festival

The annual festival of music, arts and walking takes place across the three northern-most Yorkshire Dales between May 26 and June 6.

There are a total of 66 events in venues across Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale, including classical, folk, jazz, dance, puppetry, choirs, soloists and orchestras.

International artists are a key part of the line-up, with performers from as far afield as Syria, Iran and China taking part.

Artistic director Malcolm Creese said: “Each year I think the festival could not possibly get any bigger, and yet each year it does.

“2018 really is a bonanza festival with something for every person of every age.

“We are also experimenting with some exciting new events such as printmaking, poetry walks and fell running.”

Festival highlights include guitarists Craig Ogden and Gary Ryan, the Brighouse and Rastrick Band and violin virtuoso Jennifer Pike.

Marketing coordinator Emily Rowe Rawlence is looking forward to the event.

She said: “I am massively excited about the family events, especially as the festival takes place in summer half-term.

“I have two primary-aged children and can’t wait for them to see The Boy, the Piano and the Beach by Slot Machine Theatre.

“The show will feature puppetry, dance, projection and classical music from a world-class pianist.

“Classical music is sometimes considered inaccessible to young people, but Slot Machine demystify the experience and make it exciting and full of adventure.

“I am also taking the kids to see PuppetCraft perform The Tin Forest on bank holiday Monday in Reeth, and to see Janet Seymour’s School of Theatre Dance performance. “Janet is an amazing tour de force and what she brings to the young people of the Dales – in terms of opportunities in dance and creativity – is mind-blowing.

“Their shows are always a treat.”

For a full schedule of events and to buy tickets for specific perfomances or activities, visit the website swalefest.org