Festival Programme
Event Key
For Fringe events please see our dedicated Fringe Page.
11th – 26th June | Grassington Town Hall | Free Event | Daily 11am - 4pm
Celebrations Art Exhibition
Honouring 30 colourful festival years
Painters, photographers, a digital artist and filmmaker honour 30 colourful festival years by creating new and exciting work in response to the theme ‘Celebrations’. The artists will develop work over three months, each exploring an aspect of celebration such as birthdays, get-togethers, rituals, parties and communal activities.
Artists include Jill Cole, Stuart Wroe, Jan Richardson, Tom Purdy, and Sarah Jane Mason.
For more information please email us
Fri 11th June | Parade starts Hebden Road Car Park, Grassington | Free Event | 6:30pm
Opening Night Carnival Parade & Ceremony
Join us to start the party in style with a colourful, musical, carnival parade around the town followed by funky free band, Panjumby, in the market square. For more information see the visual arts pages.
The Opening Ceremony will take place in the square to celebrate the festival’s anniversary and will include a reading of a commemorative poem written especially for the Festival by Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan.
- Parade starts: Hebden Road Car Park, Grassington 5:30pm
- Opening Ceremony: The Square, Grassington 6:30
- Fee Event
For more information see the Art and About pages.
Fri 11th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £16 | 8pm
The Magnets
Six guys. Six Voices: No luggage. No compromise.
Imagine... dancing to the best band you’ve heard in ages. On stage are six sharp-suited men with infectious tunes, slick moves and a tight rhythm section. But something is different. There are no instruments. No backing track. All of this amazing sound is being made with voices alone.
The Magnets are Britain’s most exciting vocal group since the 1960s. Combining harmony singing with beatbox drumming they have taken a cappella music to a whole new audience. From the Royal Albert Hall to Elle Macpherson’s living room their shows are spiced with humour, dancing and audience participation for a breathtaking, sleek show.‘A cappella singing straight from the gods’. Edinburgh Evening News.
Last few tickets remaining - please contact box office 01756 752691
11th – 26th June | Grassington Village
Bring on the bunting!
Help us set a new world record
To honour Grassington Festival’s 30th birthday we’re attempting to create the longest stretch of bunting in the world.
We’re encouraging everyone to make some flags and send them to our Bunting HQ. Then have fun spotting your own handiwork when you visit!
Visit our Bunting Challenge page for further details
Sat 12th June | Grassington National Park Centre | Tickets £16 | 10.30am – 3.30pm
Workshop – Dry Stone Walling
Do you know your ‘throughs from your ‘cappings’?
A chance to master the basic skills of the art of dry stone walling. Learn techniques that have been handed down through generations, with dales master craftsmen, Ian Daggett and Chris Wake.
Please wear suitable strong footwear (not trainers), sturdy gloves and bring a packed lunch.
Limited tickets, please call the Box Office.
Sat 12th June | The Square, Grassington | Free event | 10.30am – 4pm
Music in the Square
The market square in Grassington will be transformed into an outdoor concert hall for some lively musical performances. First there’s Bradford Grammar School’s Big Band at 10.30am, followed by the stirring sound of big brass from the Clifton and Lightcliffe band at 2pm.
Sat 12th June | The Shooting Barn, Kilnsey Park Fish Farm, Kilnsey | Tickets £14 | Time: See below
Honey Bee & Beekeeping Workshops
Presented by members of the local Wharfedale Beekeepers Association.
Discover the fascinating world of the Honey bee and beekeeping. A two-hour presentation, followed by a live bee handling demonstration, weather permitting. Suitable for all ages from 10 plus.
All proceeds shared jointly between Grassington Festival and the Wharfedale Beekeeper's Association educational and bee improvement projects.
Times:
- Workshop 1: 10.30am - 1pm
- Workshop 2: 2pm - 4.30pm
Price includes light refreshments. Sorry, no unaccompanied children.
Limited tickets for both time slots, please call the Box Office.
Sat 12th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets: See below | Time: See below
French Breton Dance Workshops
With Yannick Minvielle and Les Panards Dansant.
Family Workshop
We’re bringing the evocative music of upper-Brittany to the Dales for a chance to immerse yourself in French folk culture. Come and join this fabulous celebratory dance workshop with live music accompaniment by Les Panards Dansant. Yannick will offer families with children of all ages and abilities a taste of French culture through a range of exciting traditional dances and songs.
- £5 (under 16s £3)
- Time: 1.30 - 2.30pm
Sorry, no unaccompanied children.
For under 16's tickets, call the Box Office.
Sat 12th June | Kettlewell | Tickets £3 - pay on the day | 1.30 to 4pm
Walk – Kettlewell...From Norsemen to Calendar Girls
From Norsemen to Calendar Girls.
An easy 3 mile (5km) walk in and around the village to discover its hidden corners and rich history. Parking in National Park car park. Bring sensible footwear, wet gear/sun protection, snack and drink. Sorry no dogs or unaccompanied children.
Meet at Kettlewell National Park car park (Grid SD 968 723)
Booking essential, please call the box office
Sat 12th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets: See below | Time: See below
French Breton Dance Workshops
With Yannick Minvielle and Les Panards Dansant.
Adult workshop (over 14s)
Experience the enjoyable communal nature of traditional French dancing. Yannick will teach traditional dances and songs from different French regions. Learn about historical, geographical, cultural and instrumental context too! No previous experience necessary.
- Tickets: £5 (Concessions £3)
- Time: 3.00 - 4.00pm
For concession tickets, call the Box Office.
Sat 12th June | St Margaret Clitherow Church, Threshfield | Tickets £11 - Under 16's £6 | 3pm
The Dorette Violin and Harp Duet
Strings and scones.
Elizabeth Cooney, violin and Sally Pryce, harp, met as scholars at the Royal College of Music London and both graduated in 2001 with first class honours. As soloists they have since made their mark on the international stage and have come together as a duo to perform a wide spectrum of repertoire for violin and harp.
Programme:
- Sonata Concertante in G major Op 115 - Spohr
- Chanson de Matin and Chanson de Nuit - Elgar
- Spring Sonata - Adrian Williams
Includes a scrumptious afternoon tea to be served at the end of the recital.
For under 16's tickets please call the box office.
Sat 12th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £16 - Under 16's £8 | 8pm
Special Offer!..
...Children's tickets free when purchased alongside 2 adult tickets - please telephone box office on 01756 752691 - we are sorry, this offer is not available online.
Grassington’s Monster Ceilidh
Put on your dancing shoes and join the party.
The brilliant and exhilarating music of the Monster Ceilidh Band has its roots in tradition; but the combination of their talents has produced something innovative, contemporary, fresh and dynamic.
After a highly successful breakthrough year in 2009 and a critically acclaimed debut album, Make Me a Dancer, the Monster Ceilidh Band will be hitting Grassington with a thrilling folk-dance performance. The music’s up-tempo, happy and energetic – dance music with its feet in the heritage and tradition of the British Isles.
No Ceilidh dancing experience necessary, the Monsters will talk you through all the moves!
Sun 13th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Free event | 11am
Festival Service
We take a moment of calm and tranquility amid the Festival’s fun. Join us in the Town Hall as the community comes together to celebrate and give thanks for 30 years of the Festival through non-secular worship. With speakers, renowned authors Adrian and Bridget Plass, this all-inclusive service is open to members of all faiths, from far and wide.
Sun 13th June | Grassington Main Street | Free event | Judging: 12.00pm - Races Commence 2pm
Festival Challenge: The Grassington Go-kart Hill Climb
Whacky races along Grassington Main Street.
Picking up where last year’s Regatta left off in the silliness stakes, we’ll be transforming the main street into a race track for the first ever Grassington Go-kart Hill Climb.
All man-powered entries and supporters are welcome in the square at noon for this up-hill challenge! Prizes for the first to make it, the best dressed vehicle and ingenuity!
Why not get a team together? Villages, pubs, clubs or just groups of friends can all join in the fun! All vehicles must be registered in advance to enter the hill climb. To enter or for advice on design/build techniques and regulations please contact: timetrial.ted@grassington-festival.org.uk.
As a backdrop to all the fun, Dales Jam from Skipton touches down in Grassington with music from Jamaica, Brazil, Cuba, South Africa, The Balkans, Japan, Trinidad and New York, sampling the finest sounds around and delivering them in their own inimitable way; world rhythms with jazz vocabulary, improvisation and celebration.
Sun 13th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £12- Under 16's £6 | 8pm
Black Voices and Festival Chorus
Putting the ‘sing’ into Grassington.
The stunning gospel singers Black Voices will be working with local volunteers in an exciting project to form and train a ‘Festival Chorus’, in the two months leading up to this performance. This evening of song will include the culmination of their hard work and promises to be rather special.
Black Voices’ current repertoire is a suite of popular and original songs mapping the development of reggae music, from its roots in the Caribbean, its African influences and a look at how the form grew and evolved in the UK.
Firmly rooted in their strong black musical roots, they’ve earned a worldwide reputation for their unique brand of a cappella. With an eclectic mix of styles, and a true Yorkshire twist, there is sure to be something for everyone at this concert.
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Mon 14th June | The Angel Inn, Hetton | Tickets £21 | 12pm
STOP PRESS...
...Extra date added due to public demand. Tickets now available for Wednesday 23rd June. Please call the box office on 01756 752691 for information and tickets.
The Secrets of The Angel’s Delights
Learn while you lunch.
At this “Cookery Masterclass” with widely acclaimed head-chef Bruce Elsworth, you’ll garner some closely guarded secrets and top culinary tips. Not only do you get an enjoyable demonstration but you get a delicious lunch at one of the Dale’s most fabulous eateries.
Limited tickets, please call the Box Office.
Mon 14th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £16 - Under 16's £8 | 8pm
Steven Osborne
Piano with passion.
Steven Osborne is a renowned recitalist and has performed in many of the world’s prestigious venues including the Konzerthaus Vienna, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Philharmonie Berlin, Musikhalle Hamburg, Palais des Beaux Arts Brussels, Suntory Hall Tokyo, Kennedy Center Washington and Carnegie Hall.
He’s at home with the widest range of styles and his carefully crafted recital programmes are both publicly and critically acclaimed. He’s won first prize at the Naumburg International Piano Competition (New York) and the Clara Haskil Competition.
Concerto performances take Steven Osborne to orchestras all over the world, and he comes to Grassington fresh from recent visits to the NHK Symphony, Berlin Symphony, Deutsches Sinfonieorchester Berlin, Munich Philharmonic, Finnish Radio Symphony, Bergen Philharmonic, Residentie Orkest, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the NDR Sinfonieorchester Hannover.
“You could have heard a pin drop. Steven Osborne’s power over the hall was absolute…the atmosphere was spellbound. ” Daily Telegraph.
Programme: to include Beethoven, Ravel and Rachmaninov
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Tues 15th June | Venue: See below |Free event | Time: See below
Children’s Performances
Contes Dorés – Theatre Sans Frontières
Using puppetry, music and shadow play, Contes Dorés combines two wonderfully magical fairy tales from the French-speaking world The production is in simple French for 8-12 year olds.
'It will have you rolling about screeching with delight and willingly calling out in French.' Teacher, West Sussex
- Venue: Town Hall
- Time: 10.30am & 1.30pm
Ugly Beauty – Lempen Puppet Theatre Company
In the Kingdom of Rumours there lives an unhappy Princess. Princess Suzanna the Beautiful. But why is she so sad?.A theatrical performance using acting, puppets, shadows and music. Suitable for 3years.
- Venue: The Octagon Theatre, Town Hall
- Time: 10.30am & 1.30pm
Both children’s performances are free events but seating is limited and local school parties take priority so please call the box office to enquire re availability.
Tues 15th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £16 - Under 16's £12 | 8pm
An Audience with Alastair Campbell
The Inside Story.
A gripping and timely insight into ‘The Blair Years’ and more from former Labour strategist turned media celebrity, novelist and local-ish lad Alastair Campbell. Love him or hate him, this is a rare chance to hear an excellent and open political orator, and later Alastair will also be taking questions from the audience.
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Tues 15th June | The Devonshire Hotel, Grassington | Free event | 8.30pm
Gentle Jazz @ The Devonshire
Join Grassington's favourites for an evening of much loved jazz standards, featuring Dee Doyle on vocals.
Sponsored by The Devonshire Hotel
Weds 16th June | Grassington Town Hall | Tickets £20 | 10am - 3pm
Workshop - Book Binding with Victoria Lucas
Creating hardbound books
This practical workshop will cover various bookbinding techniques, including how to create hardbound books, concertina books, and Japanese stab binding. There will also be a selection of artist's books on display.
All materials will be provided, however participants are welcome to bring any materials or ideas they would like to use to create their own artist's books; such as recycled paper or collage material. At the end of the workshop, each participant will have created a selection of books that can be taken home. A handout detailing the techniques learnt will also be provided for future reference.
Limited tickets available, please call the Box Office
Weds 16th June | Meet at Grassington National Park Centre, Hebden Road | Tickets £3 | 2 - 5pm
Walk – Grassington Woodland and Meadow Flowers
A varied 5.5 mile (9km) walk of discovery of nice and easy pace. You’ll explore floral delights in ancient woodland and riverside meadows. This stirring walk is also part of the ‘Flowers of the Dales’ Festival.
Parking in National Park car park. Bring sensible footwear, wet gear/sun protection, snack and drink. Sorry no dogs or unaccompanied children.
.Pay on the day but booking is essential, please call the box office.
Weds 16th June | Grassington Congregational Church | Tickets Free / donations on the door | 3pm
Down the Wharfe
A two-year project by local film maker Geoff Kerr
The premiere of a two-year project by local film maker Geoff Kerr, ‘Down the Wharfe’ is a journey of discovery down arguably Yorkshire's most beautiful river, packed with interest for visitors and locals alike. Geoff will be available for questions over teas and coffee served after the film.
Running time 78 mins
Weds 16th June | Grassington Congregational Church | Tickets £8.00 Under 16s £3 | 7.15pm
The Class (Entre les Murs)
An absorbing journey into a multicultural high school
Master French director Laurent Cantet's The Class is an absorbing journey into a multicultural high school in Paris over the course of a school year. Described by the NY Times as ‘An artful, intelligent movie’. Expect an emotionally powerful film with electrifying authenticity.
‘The most gripping and inspiring film about the education system for years’. RED.
‘A miracle, a perfect movie’. Sean Penn.
Ticket price includes canapes and pastis on arrival.
Running time 2 hours 10 mins. Blu-ray. Cert 15. French with English subtitles. Bring a cushion!
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Weds 16th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £17 - Under 16's £9 | 8pm
Red Priest – 'Johann I'm Only Dancing'
Bach as you’ve never heard it before.
A dynamic presentation of music by the greatest genius of the baroque era, Johann Sebastian Bach, performed with Red Priest's legendary blend of creativity, wit and virtuosity.
The programme includes epic transcriptions of Brandenburg Concerto no.3 and the great Toccata and Fugue in D minor, alongside a host of dazzling allegros, whirling dances and some of the most sublime adagios ever composed. Red Priest's arrangements are inspired by Bach's own improvisatory zeal, and they play entirely from memory with astonishing energy, creating a virtual orchestra from their four instruments.
"One of the most exhilarating groups I've encountered in many a long year". David Mellor Classic FM
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Weds 16th June | The Craven Inn, Appletreewick | Tickets £20 | 8pm
Beer tasting with Jane Peyton
Beer is the world's favourite alcoholic drink - but which country does it best? Come and judge at the 'United Nations of Beer' - an entertaining evening hosted by Jane Peyton, Principal of School of Booze - and sample a selection of beers from around the world. Which nation will deserve the accolade Super Power of Beer?
Weds 16th June | Bolton Abbey Priory | Tickets £11 - Under 16's £6 | 8pm
Gaurav Mazumdar
Sitar recital.
One of the most sought-after and versatile sitar masters of the present generation, Gaurav Mazumdar hails from a long line of respected musicians from Allahabal and has studied under the legendary Pt.Ravi Shankar since 1985.
Let his rare talented sitar performances transport you from the beautiful setting of Bolton Abbey on an exotic musical journey.
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Thurs 17th June |Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £12 | 2pm
Sir Roddy Llewellyn
Imaginative ideas and colour combination in the garden
Roddy Llewellyn is one of the country's leading gardening experts – As a designer, broadcaster, speaker, author and journalist his knowledge of horticulture is wide. He writes for the Mail On Sunday, Country Life, Period Living, Country Homes and Interiors and Gardens Illustrated. He’s often appeared as a panellist on Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time and is also gardening correspondent for ITV1's This Morning.
This afternoon is designed to infuse the gardener with confidence, knowledge and inspiration. Don’t miss this chance to pick up some tips from an absolute expert! Entertainment guaranteed.
Includes post-talk tea and biscuits
Thurs 17th June | Grassington Congregational Church | Tickets £6.00 Under 16s £3 | 7.30pm
Invictus
An inspiring true story
From director Clint Eastwood, “Invictus” tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to help unite their country.
‘"One of the most effective films about the end of apartheid"
"Invictus will make grown men cry."
The Independent.
"Truly good for the soul". Rolling Stone
For extra comfort bring a cushion!
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Thurs 17th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £18 | 8pm
Acker Bilk & His Paramount Jazz Band
A national music treasure in concert.
Acker Bilk's career is one of British music's success stories - his first smash hit 'Stranger On The Shore' was the first ever record to reach number one in the US and the UK simultaneously, and his popularity since then remains as great as ever.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see a true British Jazz legend!
Thurs 17th June | The Foresters Arms, Grassington | Free event | 8pm
Wang Dang Doodle @ The Foresters Arms
Named after a blues song by Willie Dixon, Wang Dang Doodle means a night of spirited revelry. Expect nothing less!
Sponsored by The Foresters Arms
Fri 18th June | The Octagon, Grassington | Tickets £6 | 2pm
The Wordbirds
The Wordbirds: a flock of women poets who perform UK wide, taking a bird's eye view of the world of human relationships. The line-up for this event will include Jennifer Copley, Josephine Dickinson, Elizabeth Burns and Gill Nicholson. Join them on their flights of fancy – and prepare to have your feathers ruffled!
Fri 18th June | Bolton Abbey Priory Grounds | Tickets £12 - Under 16's £8 | 7.30pm
Theatre: Romeo and Juliet - Illyria Outdoor Theatre
Shakespeare states in the opening 12 lines of this play that it is an explosive swash-buckling romance with a thrilling storyline and a tragic ending. What he doesn't say is how funny it's going to be! Two powerful Verona families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are at war with one another - but when Montague's son falls in love with Capulet's daughter at a party, a chain-reaction of events is set in motion which has a devastating conclusion. This production promises to mine the humour so often overlooked, and to dazzle you with swordplay. Since 1992 Illyria has performed on what feels like every patch of grass from Land’s End to John O’ Groats – and also in Ireland, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, USA and Canada. They are the only UK open-air touring company to have won no less than 4 international awards, and have a justified reputation for being, quite simply, the best.
Booking Essential
Please note this is an outdoor performance - please dress accordingly (sun cream and thermals!). And only a hurricane will stop play!
Why not order a festival picnic from Relish, Grassington to add to your evenings enjoyment?
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Fri 18th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £16 - Under 16's £8 | 8pm
Show of Hands
Acclaimed and enduringly popular roots duo
BBC award-winning, Albert Hall filling Show of Hands – England’s finest acoustic roots duo – head to Grassington to show us just why they’ve been showered with accolades!
With a stand out new studio album under their belt – Arrogance Ignorance and Greed - and two awards at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Duo and Best Original Song – they are ready to stand, deliver and dazzle from their rich repertoire of songs, accompanied by the remarkable double bass player and vocalist Miranda Sykes.
“One of the great English bands” – Peter Gabriel
“This is a band performing at its passionate peak” – The Independent
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Sat 19th June | Grassington National Park Centre | Tickets £16 | 10.30am - 3.30pm
Dry Stone Walling - Intermediate
A chance to further your skills in the art of dry stone walling with dales master craftsmen Ian Daggett and Chris Wake. This workshop is not suitable for absolute beginners.
Please wear suitable strong footwear (not trainers), sturdy gloves and bring a packed lunch.
Limited tickets available, please call the Box Office.
Sat 19th June | Grassington Square | Free event | 10.30am - 8pm
Street Theatre, Music and Art in the Square
Free Family Fun
We’re officially warning the public to be on the look-out for madcap antics, colourful costumes and crazy creatures on Saturday 19th, as we’ll be bringing the Market Square to life with the mixture of music, merriment and mayhem Festival goers have come to know and love.
Highlights include music in the morning from The Harrogate Youth Jazz Orchestra and later The Bollywood Brass Band, whose Funky drummers and a hot 6 piece horn section play massive hits from Indian films, driven by the huge beat of the dhol drum.
It doesn’t get any stranger than Clogghoppers Banjo Circus – the smallest blue grass banjo orchestra with circus tricks in the world! Then there’ll be strange capers from the delightfully captivating Flying Buttresses, a wee pair of wonderful wanderers from the proud country of Oblivia.
Look out for the Maniax - the winners of Street Entertainers of the Year plus The 'Salmon of Knowledge'and Lempen Puppets, Then get ready to put on your cowboy hats and boots and join the early evening hoe-down and barn dance with the toe tapping foot stomping Last Chance Saloon Band (Pictured).
Sat 19th June | Grassington Congregational Church | Tickets £3 per film, £10 for an all-day ticket | Times: See below
Classic Film Day
All strands of British film
Our day of the classics embraces all strands of British film from the legendary David Lean/Ealing era and ending with Julie Christie at her best in the ‘70s late night scary movie.
For extra comfort you may want to bring a cushion.
Sat 19th June | Grassington National Park Centre | Tickets £3 | 2 - 5pm
Walk - The Heritage of Linton
An easy 4 mile (7km) walk visiting an ancient church and discovering the connection between the village inn and the architect of Castle Howard.
Parking in National Park car park. Bring sensible footwear, wet gear/sun protection, snack and drink. Sorry no dogs or unaccompanied children.
Pay on the day but booking is essential, please call the box office.
Sat 19th June | Skipton Castle | Tickets £9 - Under 16's £5 | 4.30pm
A Feast of Family Stories and Music at Skipton Castle
Captivating tales and tunes
Internationally renowned story teller Hugh Lupton tells the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight at this unique ancient fortress. This 14th Century Middle-English romance follows the escapades of this Round Table knight as he accepts a challenge from a mysterious warrior who’s completely green - from his clothes and hair to his beard and skin!
And, what better setting could there be for a gripping tale of chivalry than an ancient castle? Guardian of the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales for over 900 years, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and well-preserved medieval castles in England. Other treats throughout the performance include music from Horses Brawl.
Includes entry to the castle.
The performance will last approx 2 hours and will take place on the Chapel terrace or in the Granary if the weather is inclement. Sorry, no unaccompanied children.
Event sponsored by Skipton Castle.
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Sat 19th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £18 | 8pm
Fascinating Aida
Satirical Comic Cabaret
Imagine Sex and the City with harmonies... Imagine Absolutely Fabulous sung by the Andrews Sisters... Imagine Noel Coward, but ruder... Jacques Brel with jokes... Monty Python set to music...Edith Piaf with better frocks...Marlene with cellulite...
That's Fascinating Aida! Britain’s sassiest, funniest, craziest musical comediennes.
Dillie Keane formed Fascinating Aida a quarter of a century ago; the show has performed in 5 continents, had 6 West End runs, recorded 6 albums, received 5 award nominations (3 Olivier, 1 Drama Desk, 1 Perrier), and has published 2 books. These are ladies with bags of talent!
"See them before you die otherwise your life will have been meaningless." Mail on Sunday
"Quite simply, Fascinating Aida are the tops" Daily Telegraph
"One of the most exquisitely polished shows you are ever likely to see" Financial Times
Sat 19th June | Meet Outside Grassington House Hotel | Tickets £15 |9.30pm
Moonlit Walk and Midnight Feast
Take a balmy summer’s night, a bright moon and a starry sky. Add a bewitching tale from storyteller Hugh Lupton, and stir in some evocative music from Horses Brawl. This promises to be a magical walk to remember.
£15 to include a steaming bowl of soup with homemade bread and cake on return to Grassington House.
The walk is of moderate difficulty, but is led by experienced guides, please wear sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing for our British summer and bring a torch or headtorch and a sense of adventure. Sorry, no dogs or unaccompanied children.
Sun 20th June | Grassington Town Hall | Free Event | 12am - 4pm DROP IN
Edible Sculpture Party Workshop
Creating a giant edible landscape
You won’t hear the words "Don’t play with your food" at this workshop! Work together to create a giant edible landscape sculpture using Birthday Party ingredients - cake, jelly, sweets, chocolate and crisps. All food and materials will be provided!
This is a drop in workshop and is open to all ages. Children must be accompanied
Sun 20th June | The Fountaine Inn, Linton | Free event | 2pm
Brass on the Green – Tewit Youth Brass Band
There’s nothing like the traditional sound of brass on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and there’s no prettier setting than on the village green at Linton.
Event sponsored by The Fountaine Inn, Linton
Sun 20th June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £16 - Under 16's £8 | 8pm
Jacqui Dankworth
Given her musical pedigree – daughter of Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth - it’s no surprise that Jacqui Dankworth is considered to be “one of the classiest acts in British jazz singing”(The Guardian). Her third solo album, ‘Back to You’, (Audacious) was released in September 2009 to critical acclaim, hitting the Top Ten jazz charts and firmly establishing this singer-songwriter extraordinaire as one of the UK’s most sought-after artists.
Jacqui makes a welcome first appearance at Grassington Festival, backed by her stellar band, who are “marvellous players in their own right” (Daily Telegraph). She will perform songs from ‘Back To You’ and her other highly praised albums, plus new self-penned material and favourite standards. Expect a magical evening with an album-signing session after the show, when Jacqui will be pleased to chat with fans - old and new.
In Jacqui’s band are: Chris Allard (guitars), Alec Dankworth (bass) and Ralph Salmins (drums).
“Jacqui Dankworth...has made it in every sense. She can do a ballad and a gospel number with the same relaxed, easy mastery. Her timing is terrific, she can pack a punch….a total delight." Daily Telegraph
"Imaginative, moving, and adventurous with material and technique” The Guardian
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Mon 21st June | The Old Hall Inn, Threshfield | Free event | 8pm
Rob Reynolds @ The Old Hall Inn
Award winning singer-songwriter Rob has opened for the likes of Midge Ure, Errol Brown, Hazel O’Connor, China Crisis, Big Joe Turner, Arthur Lee and Love, Pete Wylie, Procul Harem, Paul Carrack, Christy Hennesey, Glen Tilbrook, Hugh Cornwell and Amos Lee.
Event sponsored by The Old Hall Inn
Mon 21st June | The Fountaine Inn, Linton | Tickets £20 | 8pm
The Great Wine Pub Quiz
Join wine expert Joe Fattorini as he invites you to play “Pin the tail on the Terroir” and “Pass the Pinot” plus other such games as you taste your way through an evening of wine and palate educating fun.
Mon 21st June | Town Hall, Grassington | Tickets £14 - Under 16's £7 | 8pm
The Ian McMillan Orchestra
Astonishing, awesome and beautiful songs presented by the Bard of Barnsley, Ian McMillan and composer Luke Carver Goss, with a band of jaw-dropping ensemble players.
For audiences, 7 to 107! A scintillating night of poems, music, comedy & improvisation - like nothing you’ve ever seen before!
'one of the best evenings of entertainment I have ever experienced' Clwyd Theatr Cymru
'British music at its most ingenious' The Guardian
'three encores, amazing show' Terrington Village Hall
'Words and music. That's it. You've done it!' Lancaster Litfest'09
‘Verbal wit and brilliant musicianship makes it a kind of Flanders and Swann with the subject matter firmly uprooted from London to Yorkshire. I love Flanders and Swann so that’s quite a compliment.’ www.thejazzmann.co.uk
Featuring:
- Ian McMillan voice
- Luke Carver Goss accordion / guitar / vocals
- Dylan Fowler guitar / mandocello / vocals
- Nathan Thomson double bass
- Oliver Wilson-Dickson violin / vocals
For Under 16's tickets, please call the Box Office.
Tues 22nd June | The Craven Inn, Appletreewick | Free event | 8pm
Ade Payne @ The Craven
Singer songwriter, acoustic guitarist, Ade delivers his very own brand of Americana/Roots/Country music accompanied by Wendy Ross (fiddle). He’s played the same bill as Jethro Tull, Stranglers, Whitesnake, Bad Company, Fairport Convention and been nominated for 'Best Brit, UK Country music singer/songwriter 2009' by Country Routes Magazine.
Event sponsored by The Craven Inn, Appletreewick
Tues 22nd June | Festival Marquee | Tickets £18 | Gates Open 6:30pm | Doors Open 7:15pm | Performance 8pm
Last Night of the Proms
We have something special in store for opening night of our ‘Festival in the Field’ and our official 30th Anniversary party
...Expect thrills and fireworks during a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ style celebratory night of classical delights.
The 42-strong Skipton Camerata will be joined by tenor Mark LeBrocq and soprano Mary Nelson to lead the crowd in some rousing renditions of Land of Hope and Glory and other proms favourites.
Mark was formerly a Company principal with English National Opera, and has made guest appearances for Opera Northern Ireland, Garsington Opera and at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Irish-born Mary Nelson was a company artist at ENO, before concert work took her throughout the UK, Europe and America. She’s performed with major orchestras under respected conductors like Christian Curnyn, Thierry Fischer, Jane Glover, David Hill, Jakob Hrusa, Nicholas McGegan and John Nelson.
Join us for some flag-waving fun!
Weds 23rd June | Grassington National Park Centre | Tickets £3 | 11am - 3pm
Walk – Discover the Hidden Village
A fairly easy 6 mile (9km) walk, discovering historical delights on the other side of the Wharfe.
Pay on the day but booking is essential, please call the box office. Sorry no dogs or unaccompanied children.
Weds 23rd June | Festival Marquee | Performance 8pm | Tickets £18
The Manfreds with Special Guests Dave Berry and Maggie Bell
For those of you who enjoy the sounds of the 60s
Original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones, Mike Hugg and Tom McGuinness, and former member Mike d’Abo, are joined by Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie as the exciting new line-up of The Manfreds, featuring BOTH lead singers from the 1960’s band.
Since The Manfreds re-formed in 1991, they have been in constant demand throughout the World…understandably considering the number of top ten hits they had! Expect to hear hits like 5-4-3-2-1, Sha la la, Pretty Flamingo, The Mighty Quinn in an evening of sixties fun and nostalgia, with special guests Dave Berry and Maggie Bell.
Thurs 24th June | Festival Marquee | Tickets £18 | Gates Open 6:30pm | Doors Open 7:15pm | Performance 8pm
Comedy Night - Ross Noble
The free-form comedy whirlwind that is Ross Noble will be filling the marquee with laughs by the barrel full
In his new show Ross will be covering the topic of Things – big things and small things. Things that have happened to him and things that have happened to you. Surfing the wave of the here and now, join ‘the most brilliant stand-up of his generation’ (Sunday telegraph) in a free form, free wheeling ride into the way things are.
Arguably the most successful cult stand-up of our time, critically-acclaimed award-winning comedian ROSS NOBLE appears for the first time at the Grassington Festival. Ross was voted one of the top ten greatest stand-ups of all time by Channel 4 viewers. With a list of awards too numerous to mention, come and see why a Noble live show is like no other.
‘The supreme master of spontaneous stand-up and the most exciting comic in the country’ Time Out.
“His first act last night was one of the most brilliant hours I have ever spent in a theatre... and the second even better.” Daily Mail
Fri 25th June | Festival Marquee | Tickets £25 | Gates Open 6:30pm | Doors Open 7:15pm | Performance 8pm
An Evening with Rick Wakeman
Self-proclaimed ‘Grumpy Old Rock Star’
Mention the name Rick Wakeman to 50 different people and ask them what he does, and you are likely to get 50 different answers! The former Yes member is equally at home on a stage with his piano as he is appearing on Countdown, Top Gear or Grumpy Old Men.
The one-man show “An Evening With Rick Wakeman” pretty much came about by accident. Quite simply, his gear didn’t arrive for a show and all there was available was a piano - “An Evening with Rick Wakeman” was born.
The stories change on a regular basis, as does the music. If this show were in a cookery book, the instructions would simply read...
- Take a large concert grand piano and seat Rick Wakeman in front of the keys.
- After the first piece, sprinkle in a ludicrous and funny anecdote.
- Repeat 1 & 2 for approximately 2 hours.
These performances are true ‘one-offs’ and don’t happen very often, which is why each one is very special to Rick and hopefully for you as well!
Sat 26th June | The Square, Grassington | Free event | 10.30am - 4pm
Music in the Square
Yet more free music in the market square! First the young and ‘young at heart’ members of Skipton Big Band treat us to some lively big band classics at 10.30 am, then the award-winning North Stars Steel Band bring the exotic sound of Trinidad to town with their Caribbean steel pan rhythms at 2pm.
Sat 26th June | Grassington National Park Centre | Tickets £3 | 2 - 4pm
Walk: Grassington Heritage Trail
Who was Tom Lee? What were Jakeys? An easy 3 mile (5km) walk in and around Grassington. These questions will be answered and other secrets of Grassington's past unlocked.
Parking at Grassington NPC car park. Bring sensible footwear for uneven ground.
Sat 26th June | Festival Marquee | Tickets £26 | Gates Open 6:30pm
Last Night Party Featuring The Proclaimers
The Festival ends with our now traditional last night party, featuring the strikingly original duo The Proclaimers, supported by Mid Life Crisis and Dumb Blonde Club.
Following a seminal debut as an unsigned act performing Letter From America on Channel 4's The Tube in 1987, The Proclaimers have enjoyed success around the world. The emotional honesty, political fire, wit and sing-along raucousness of their songs has enlightened and entertained fans young and old for nearly three decades. 2007 saw The Proclaimers collaborate for Comic Relief with Peter Kay and their number one fan Matt Lucas, to top the charts with their classic anthem 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).
“I find it hard to put into words quite how the music of The Proclaimers makes me feel. It makes me laugh. It makes me cry. It just makes me generally euphoric...” Matt Lucas
This is a non seated event
SOLD OUT DURING ADVANCE BOOKING PERIOD
"Festival"
Jan Richardson painted a wonderful painting entitled 'Festival' - a bright and wonderful representation of Grassington Festival...
Hillside Art Project
With the help of lots of lovely members of our local community and visitors too we created a work of art on Elbolton Hill inspired by the Fairies and made from Dales Fleece...
Support Us
Our loyal and supportive Sponsors and Patrons play an essential role in the Festival ‘Family’. And, every year, more and more people are supporting our work...
Webcraft by
q u a n t u m d o t k n o w l e d g e
Copyright © 2010 quantum dot knowledge