Holmfirth Arts Festival makes a welcome return for 2024, with an action-packed programme running across the Holme Valley, from mid-June to September.
This year’s festival theme of FLOW takes inspiration from the importance of the River Holme in Holmfirth and the Holme Valley.
Using FLOW and their location as inspiration, the festival has invited the best local, national and international artists to respond to the environment, the unique landscape and its people, in all their diversity.
The festival kicks off on June 12 with an Accessible Activities Amble for people with disabilities and their personal assistants.
Following this is the Big Weekend of events taking place in venues across Holmfirth on June 15 and 16 with outdoor entertainment and activities for families and people of all ages.
Big Weekend events include workshops, exhibitions, the Dear Sunflowers Parade, live music and world-class performances from companies such as Circus Raj, Mind the Gap and Rogue Play to name just a few. There are also opportunities for people to get involved and participate in the festival beforehand.
Images by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
Following on from the Big Weekend is a series of events happening each week until the end of September.
New Mill Male Voice Choir will be performing Let The River Run on June 22, soul/blues diva Dana Ali will get audiences dancing on July 27.
A brand new commission for chamber orchestra and choir, Requiem for a Fading World, will take place on August 3 followed by Ukrainian concert pianist Daria Golovchenko on August 17.
Then on September 7, comedian Kieran Hodgson presents his show Big in Scotland to finish up the festival.
Festival director Bev Adams said: “This year’s theme of ‘FLOW’ is about our location in the stunning Pennine landscape, and presenting international, national, regional talent, plus an extensive community engagement programme at venues and outdoor spaces throughout the valley.
“It is also about the flow of ideas and people, and the hospitality of Holme Valley residents. We want our festival to be diverse, representative and accessible to everyone and have British Sign Language interpretation throughout the Big Weekend and a dedicated access liaison to assist with any access requirements throughout the festival.”
The annual event takes almost a year of preparation and would not be possible without the generous support of funders – Arts Council England, Arts for Impact, Creative Minds, Holme Valley Parish Council and One Community, with donations from individuals and local businesses, Longley Farm, Stotts Coach Travel and Unity Yard.
It is also made possible thanks to the scores of volunteers and local organisations who help to run the events and welcome people during festival weekend.
