Swaledale Festival features classical, choral, jazz, folk and world music in intimate churches and halls across the Dales, along with poetry, drama, comedy, film, art exhibitions, talks and guided walks.
Towns and villages in the stunning landscape of Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale host more than 60 events in 2 weeks in May and June each year. Listed amongst the top eight classical festivals for three years running in The Guardian, Swaledale has collected three major awards in the past five years, one of which was for its extensive community work in schools and care homes.
Programming is diverse and often challenging, and there is strong element of specially commissioned music and art.
Recently performers at Swaledale Festival include John Williams, Peter Donohoe, Northern Sinfonia, Richard Rodney Bennett, The Kings Singers, Emma Kirkby, Natalie Clein, Fretwork, Acoustic Triangle, Martin Taylor, Antonio Forcione, Kathryn Tickell, Niamh Ni Charra, Sura Susso, Ian MacMillan, Roger McGough, Barry Cryer and The People Show.