Arts Festival launches 2009 programme

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

A feast of music, theatre, comedy and literature is on its way to Hebden Bridge as the town’s 16th Arts Festival prepares to mark the Darwin bi-centenary.

The programme has been unveiled and postal booking for the Festival, which runs from June 26 to July 12, is now available. Organisers are advising early booking for the packed programme of events.

The Festival gets off to a sensational start on Friday June 26 with a performance by musicians from the Dhol Foundation working with students from Calder High School, Mytholmroyd, and South Asian dance company Diversity Dance. Led by charismatic dhol drummer Johnny Kalsi, The Dhol Foundation produces a vast array of musical styles from drum and bass to bhangra, tabla and hip hop. The performance has been supported by Arts Council England and Calderdale MBC and promises a spectacular fusion of choreography and amazing sounds.

The show, which will take place at Hebden Bridge Picture House, is one of a number of Festival performances inspired by the life and legacy of Charles Darwin, born 200 years ago this year. The events, under the title ‘Evolution, Revolution’, have been sponsored by Sweet & Maxwell and include special screenings of ‘Darwin Originals’, a series of eight short film inspired by Darwin’s work and an evening with Ruth Padel, Darwin’s great great granddaughter.

Festival co-ordinator Rebecca Yorke said: "Response to the programme so far has been very positive and we are expecting several shows to sell out quickly. We are really looking forward to the Festival fortnight – there’s a great atmosphere about town and we hope to build on the success of previous years."

Other highlights include a performance by Huddersfield poet Simon Armitage and his band The Scaremongers at the Trades Club on Saturday June 27 and BAFTA-nominated comedian, author and columnist Mark Steel with his new show ‘What’s Going On?’ at Hebden Bridge Picture House on Wednesday July 1.

Music fans will find plenty to enjoy with visits by the Northern Jazz Orchestra, the York Guitar Quartet, pianist Aisa Ijiri, Canadian folk outfit Tanglefoot and diva Barb Jungr. Calderdale musicians taking part include the Hepton Singers, the Owter Zeds, Martyn Jackson, Peadar Long, Dave Nelson and Roger Scaife.

Award-winning writer A L Kennedy will read from some her latest work at Hebden Bridge Little Theatre on Saturday July 11 and Jon Richardson and Shappi Khorsandi will provide a preview of their Edinburgh-bound comedy at Hebden Bridge Picture House on Wednesday July 8.
Complementing the Festival will be a full programme of art exhibitions, an Open Studios Trail on July 3, 4 and 5 and street entertainment funded by the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

The Festival runs from
Friday June 26 to Sunday July 12.  

Look over the Festival website or phone 01422 842684 for more information.