AN UPPER Dales tourist attraction has signed a three-year sponsorship deal to support the Swaledale Festival – which features music, poetry, drama, art and walks.

The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, producers of Wensleydale Cheese, will support the festival which will run from May 25 until June 8.

Towns and villages around Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale will host dozens of events this summer, with artists including a BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist, classical guitarist John Williams, Northern Sinfonia, comedian Barry Cryer, poet Roger McGough and the Leyland Band.

The Swaledale Festival is set to attract £350,000 of direct economic benefit into the Northern Dales and bring 7,000 festival-goers to the region this summer.

The Creamery will specifically support a performance of William Walton’s Façade, given by the instrumental ensemble Contraband conducted by Graham Coatman, and featuring a group of 30 local children from Askrigg and Bainbridge Schools and Richmond Youth Theatre.

Malcolm Creese, artistic director of the Swaledale Festival, said: “The Wensleydale Creamery is a great Yorkshire brand and attraction; we are delighted to have them onboard to help us celebrate this wonderful region.

“The Swaledale Festival dates back to the 1970s and, with the Creamery’s support, we can continue this legacy and broaden the scale of the Festival to reach the entire Dales community.”

Sandra Bell, marketing managing of the Wensleydale Creamery, said: “Our commitment to sponsoring the festival for the next three years aims to help this fantastic cultural event continue and encourage visitors to enjoy everything the area has to offer for years to come.”

For more information call 01748-880019 or visit www.swaledale-festival.org.uk.