HOLMFIRTH ARTS FESTIVAL 2021 was one of the few live events in the town in 2021. We postponed from June to later dates in September, the sun shone and it was a joy to be out and about in person in streets and venues across the town and valley.
See the video here:
In addition, we made three online magazine programmes with snippets from shows and interviews with artists. View the online programmes here:
Click image to view 2021 live programme
Click image to view 2021 impact report
Download
Download
In 2021, we launched the annual Steve Sykes Memorial Commission to support young and emerging artists to make new arts inspired by the Holme Valley. Tom Holman-Sheard was the first recipient. See his beautiful new work, Leaving Holme, below.
Thank you to the artists, staff, volunteers, participants, audiences, funders and supporters who helped to make the 2021 Festival very special. We could not have done it without you.
Art and About
Participatory Programme 2021
Archive
History of
Holmfirth
Parade
Carbon
Capture Sculpture
Art
in the
Woods
Work with Edgelands Arts to help make a parade that tells the story of the History of Holmfirth, then be in the parade on Sunday 19 September at 2pm which will set off from Hollowgate end in a finale at Sands Recreation Grounds.
Come and help us make the parade in Holmfirth Upper Market Hall.
Everyone welcome. FREE
Dates Available - just drop in to the Upper Market Hall:
Thurs 9th 2pm-4pm
Fri 10th 11am-1pm, 2pm-4pm & 4pm-6pm
Sat 11th, Sun 12th, Mon 13th,
11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm, Wed 15th 11am-1pm.
Parade finale rehearsal at Sands Thurs 16th Sept 4pm-6pm
To book a parade making activity for your school or community group
contact Tony Wade
We are also looking for singers and musicians to make music for the parade
If you wish to take part as a music maker please
contact Charlie
Willow sculptor Dragon Willow (Leilah Vyner) has been working with schools and groups to create living willow sculptures to form part of the Art in the Woods trail before being returned to school/community groups for planting and nurturing.
Opportunities to make willow swallows for sites across the town centre in September and for you to keep after the Festival:
Dates available:
Drop in on
Saturday 18th Sept
12noon-1.30pm
2.30pm-4pm
Holmside Gardens
Come and make a willow swallow to carry in the parade on Sunday then take it home with you
Local artists are working with schools and community groups to make an art trail at Earthworks - New Mill Community Garden, Sude Hill, New Mill, for people to visit throughout the Festival.
Workshop dates are now fully booked, but please feel free to join us on the parade instead - see History of Holmfirth Parade
We are making a nominal charge of £25 to secure a group booking for any of the activities. If this cost is prohibitive, please contact director@holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk. The Festival does not wish anyone to be excluded from participating for any reason. Community Groups and Schools may participate in multiple activities. Artists working on Art in the Woods may need to cover additional costs such as materials and time. This depends on the artist and what they negotiate with the school.
All pre-bookable slots are now fully booked but please join us for drop in parade making and willow swallow making activities
Drop in workshops are pay as you feel.
