Leyburn Co-op offers support to Swaledale Festival

Leyburn Co-op has chosen the popular Swaledale Festival as one of three local charities to support through its own-brand product sales.

The annual two-week programme of music, drama, art exhibitions, poetry and guided walks, which starts on Saturday, May 27, is in its 45th year, and organisers work closely with local schools, community groups and businesses to provide an eclectic selection of  concerts and activities.

Under the charity deal, one per cent of the value of own-branded goods purchased by Co-op members will go to whichever one of the three charities they choose to support.

Heather Hodgson, Swaledale Festival marketing co-ordinator, said a personal thank you to Emma Graves and Jonathan Barker of Leyburn Co-op: “Apart from the valuable financial support this also helps to spread the word to Co-op customers that this unique festival really does have something for everybody.

“We’re delighted to have respected local companies like Leyburn Co-op supporting the festival, and recognising it as a brilliant arts event in the Dales,” she said.

This year the festival has come together with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and NYMAZ and have commissioned art work by students and a live broadcast of a JAZZ! concert.

In addition, there’ll be art exhibitions in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, concerts in Tennants of Leyburn, Bedale, Hawes, Reeth and Keld, to name but a few.

For more information, a full programme and to book tickets visit the website, www.swalefest.org.

Swaledale Festival receives support from Arts Council England and from generous sponsors including Sherwoods (Vauxhall) of Darlington, Handelsbanken, Latimer Hinks Solicitors, Kenneth Easby Accountants,  Purple Creative Studio, Tennants Garden Rooms, Millgate House B&B in Richmond, the Burgoyne Hotel in Reeth and the Bridge Inn in Grinton.  Dawn Clarkson Associates examine the accounts, and Holiday Home Yorkshire in Reeth who provided staff accommodation for this year’s Festival at AD Coach House Cottage. We are also supported by a number of Local Businesses shown here.