The Wensleydale Community Arts Festival is set to return this summer with a diverse programme of performances, workshops and concerts across the Dales.
Now in its fourth year, the festival will run from Friday, June 5 to Saturday, June 20, 2026, bringing together performers and artists from across Wensleydale and Swaledale. Organisers say the event aims to celebrate local creativity while keeping arts accessible, with most events operating on a “pay what you can afford” basis.
The festival opens with live theatre, as Dominic Goodwin presents his one-man show Twice Nightly. A nostalgic tribute to the golden age of variety entertainment, the production follows fictional comic Freddie Francis as he reflects on three decades touring the country. Performances will take place in Askrigg, Leyburn and Reeth over the opening weekend, with tickets priced at £15 for adults and £7.50 for under-18s.
Hands-on creativity will also be on offer, with art workshops led by Lynn Ward on Saturday, June 6 and Maxine Ahmed on Saturday, June 20 at Leyburn Methodist Church Hall. Sessions run from 10am to 2pm and cost £25, including materials and refreshments.
Music features heavily throughout the programme. Highlights include an evening concert at St Matthew’s Church in Leyburn on Friday, June 12, featuring Peter Winder alongside A Rockin’ Little Duo and The Pearls. The following day offers a double bill, with an afternoon choral performance by The Wesley Singers, followed by a Dales Variety Show showcasing Dales Dance and BlueBoxt Young Performers.
Further concerts include an afternoon performance by Leyburn Band on Sunday, June 14, and an evening of jazz and storytelling on Friday, June 19 with local groups The 684s and Somewhere Road.
One of the more distinctive events is the Colours Fashion Show at West Burton Village Hall on Wednesday, June 17. The popular event, run in partnership with a national charity retail organisation, promises a lively evening of fashion, shopping and entertainment, including music from vocalist Bee Darceey, as well as stalls, a raffle and refreshments.
The festival concludes on Saturday, June 20 with a full day of entertainment at St Matthew’s Church, featuring music and spoken word performances from a wide range of local artists, before a final evening concert at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre. The closing performance will see Jason Isaacs, winner of Britain’s Favourite Crooner, take to the stage.
Full programme details and tickets are available online.
