The landmark Globe mill was the beacon during a spectacular village festival featuring art in 400 windows of homes and businesses throughout Slaithwaite.
Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival, known as ‘the odd festival in the odd year’ is due to happen in February 2025 but in February 2024 villagers celebrated the creativity and positivity of Slaithwaite and the Colne Valley by creating illuminated window pictures that tell a story – any story people wanted to tell.
It’s called the Moonshine festival as the artwork comes to life when lights are switched on inside the buildings and was created in 2021 in response to the Covid pandemic when lockdown restrictions made the traditional lantern festival impossible.
And here are the best of the bunch with some massive creations in the windows of The Globe thanks to Colne Valley artist Frances Noon.
The displays ran throughout half-term week, turning Slaithwaite into a magical place.
Susanna Meese, chair of Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival, said: “It was great to be offered the opportunity to display some specially commissioned window art in some of the windows at Globe Mills thanks to the team at STADA Thornton and Ross based there, many of whom have enjoyed Moonshine and Moonraking for years.
“Everybody in Slaithwaite loves seeing the village lit up for Moonshine. It’s exactly what Moonraking is about – people all over the village crafting their own special creations that come together to create a wonderful, magical experience for everyone.”
Now the focus turns to next year’s Moonraking Festival.
Susanna added: “We’re always on the lookout for help. We have a job on our hands to raise the funds needed to stage the full festival in 2025.”
People wanting to give donations or help should go to https://www.slaithwaitemoonraking.org.uk/fundraising/
The Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival celebrates an 18th century legend where smugglers were caught red handed with their bootleg barrels in the canal but outwitted the militia by claiming to be ‘raking the moon’ from the canal. It was the moon’s reflection and the soldiers thought they were mad so left them alone.
The festival celebrates the quirky, non-conformist spirit of an area famous for Luddites, rebels and a strong community spirit.
Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content and copywriting.
