The 2026 Swaledale Festival has drawn to a close after 15 days of music, poetry, walks and community events that brought thousands of people together across the Yorkshire Dales.
The festival, which ended on Saturday 6 June, featured 100 events in 57 venues throughout Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale, showcasing a diverse programme of performances, exhibitions and outdoor activities.
Organisers revealed that around 7,000 tickets were sold during the festival, while hundreds more took part in walks, workshops and other participatory events. Thousands also enjoyed free exhibitions and pop-up performances staged in locations across the region.
This year’s festival involved 452 artists and was supported by 96 volunteers, alongside a dedicated team of staff and crew. Seventeen premieres and commissioned works were presented, highlighting new creative talent and original productions.
A significant community programme also helped extend the festival’s reach, with schools, community groups, sponsors and local venues all playing a role in delivering events and activities. One of the highlights was the Four Seasons Poetry Call, which attracted 85 poets. Their season-inspired work was published in a special anthology and shared with audiences throughout the festival.
Feedback from audiences and performers reflected the strong impression the event made on those attending. Comments described it as “the best festival event I’ve been to in 25 years”, “the most extraordinary, unforgettable week”, and “the nicest festival in the country”.
Others praised the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunities created for local communities, with one participant describing the experience as “a little bit life-changing”.
Festival organisers said the event once again demonstrated the power of arts and culture to bring communities together, connect people with the landscape, inspire creativity and foster new collaborations.
Planning is already under way for next year’s festival, which will return to the Yorkshire Dales from Friday, May 29 to Saturday, June 12, 2027.
