Art In The Dale Festival Returns to Kirkby Malham

Malhamdale, as most subscribers to film and television will have noticed, is a magnet for holidaymakers, daytrippers and general visitors alike. This valley in the south western corner of the Yorkshire Dales is renowned for its natural and geological beauty and has become, especially in recent times, a mecca for film crews of all shades and genres, from documentary and outdoors programmes makers, to ‘sword and sorcery’ cinematic epics.

Less well known is the astonishing range of artistic talent hidden in plain sight in the several villages that briefly interrupt the traveller’s journey through the valley. And following the phenomenal success of last year’s opening Arts festival, Art in the Dale will be making a welcome return to the chiaroscuro setting of St Michael’s Church in Kirkby Malham between the 1st and 9th of July.

Featuring the work of several local, and in some cases nationally renowned, artists, whose art will be on display around the church for the duration of the festival, the range of materials on show will reflect the eclectic skills and tastes of a hugely disparate group of participants. From long-term Malham resident Katharine Holmes’ monumental, Turneresque depictions of Dales landscapes, to the pitch-perfect representations of David Cook and the geometric abstractions of his wife, Heather; from the collective family endeavours of Bev Hicks, her father Peter and daughter, Phoebe, to the wind-blown, atmospheric images of Fiona Armer, the diversity promises to be breathtaking. Other artists taking part will include David Bridges, Cindy Metcalfe, Jane Midgley, Mark Pilkington, Sarah Roche, Stephen Waterhouse and the Kirkby Malham Artists. Alongside examples of photography, the exhibition will feature several pieces of ironwork by Malham Blacksmith, Annabelle Bradley.

The 2023 festival has extended its remit to incorporate a myth and poetry strand, adjacent to evenings of Jazz and Choral music. In a full programme of events, the week-long festival will include:

Jazz with Jon Moreman and Friends at the opening event, Saturday 1st July 4pm to 6pm (free admission, donations invited)

Music for a Summer’s Evening by Octameron, a locally based group of 8 singers, on Tuesday 4th July at 7pm (tickets £10 on the door, wine and soft drinks will be served at the interval)

Poetry and Storytelling evening with Katherine Langrish (www.katherinelangrish.co.uk) and local poets Gill Petrucci and Robin Hargreaves, on Saturday 8th July at 7pm (free admission, refreshments at the interval, and donations invited)

Choral Evensong with the Choir of St Alkelda’s, Giggleswick, conducted by Ellie Everhart on Sunday 9th July at 4pm


More information at : https://www.kirkbymalhamchurch.org/art-in-the-dale-2023

sue.mcwhinney@leeds.anglican.org