Hebden Bridge Arts Festival News: First week: Premieres, percussion and picnics!

First week: Premieres, percussion and picnics!

Theatre premieres, percussion and picnics are all on offer for the opening weekend of Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.

Hebden Shorts, an evening of 6 new short plays, will kick off the 18th Arts Festival on Friday 24 June, with additional performances on June 25 and 26. Following last year’s sell-out success, early booking is recommended for an evening of smiles, laughter and maybe tears.

Dennis Rollins

Fans of modern jazz can take to the dance floor on Saturday 25 June, when internationally acclaimed Dennis ‘badbone’ Rollins’ Velocity Trio will set The Trades Club alight. A funky fusion of jazz and swing, this performance by trombonist Dennis’s new venture is a Festival highlight. Music programmer David Nelson said, “Dennis’s gigs are truly unforgettable, and we’re thrilled to present this gig over the opening weekend of this year’s Festival. Be sure to book early!”

Setting a different mood at The Trades Club on Sunday 26 June, are acoustic singer-songwriters Jason Feddy and Patsy Matheson, who continue to perform together following a sell-out tour last year. Described as ‘a phenomenal duo’, this is Jason and Patsy ‘s first appearance in Hebden Bridge.

The Festival also presents many daytime events and the opening weekend has two lunchtime performances at Heptonstall Church. On Saturday June 25, Le Vezzose, a Hungarian vocal ensemble, will perform a programme of solos, duets and trios from the Baroque era, while on Sunday June 26, marimba player Joe Richards will perform contemporary work written especially for this percussion instrument.

A special Festival double bill will take place at Wainsgate Chapel on Sunday 26 June, with performances by chamber ensemble Ars Nova Sacra and women’s choir Glasgow Madrigirls. The two choirs will present a contrasting programme of work which will be enhanced by the superb acoustic of the historic venue. Tea and cake will be on sale and audiences are encouraged to take a picnic to enjoy in the chapel grounds during the interval.

Families will also find much to enjoy with free street entertainment in St George’s Square from 11am on Saturday 25 June and the Kidsfest craft afternoon which will run at Holme Street Arts Centre. Daytime events also have a special ticket price for under 26s.

Postal and online booking have now opened. Visit our website for tickets and the latest information. Printed brochures cost £1 and are available from local libraries and Visitor Centres, The Book Case, Hebden Bridge Bookshop and other Hebden Bridge businesses. The box office in Albert Street, Hebden Bridge, opens on June 11.

For Friends scheme and sponsorship enquiries, contact Rebecca Yorke via hbfestival@gmail.com or on 01422 842546 (office hours only please).