John Cooper Clarke, Tracey Thorn and June Tabor headline Hebden Bridge Arts Festival
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Punk Poet John Cooper Clarke, pop star turned author Tracy Thorn and folk icon June Tabor are headlining this year's Hebden Bridge Arts Festival which runs from June 22 for 9 fun packed days.
The festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with their strongest programme yet including shows from Daniel Kitson, Chris Mullin, Ian McMillan, Andrew Weatherall, Public Service Broadcasting, Simon Armitage, Rosie Garland and a one off solo show by I Am Kloot's John Bramwell
Arts Festival Launch: more photos from Craig Shaw
Festival organisers have funded community events across the vibrant Pennine town including a new partnership with the spectacular Handmade Parade on opening day, an innovative youth programme called YHBAF curated by local young people and two days of the very best street theatre,
"We're worked hard to bring together a bill that mixes top quality acts with a national reputation with bespoke community events reflecting the rich talent in our town," says Artistic Director Helen Meller. "The support from the town has been amazing and we are working in a record number of venues across Hebden Bridge this year. There really is something for everyone in this programme."
Arts Festival Launch: more photos from Craig Shaw
In a break from tradition the Festival team have been selling tickets since February and a gig by quirky stand up Daniel Kitson at the Picture House sold out in less than 48 hours.
After the colourful Handmade Parade has snaked its way round the town on Saturday 22 June pop star turned author Tracey Thorn opens proceedings in the newly refurbished Birchcliffe Centre. Tracey will be reading from her best selling memoir ''Bedsit Disco Queen' where she reflects on selling millions of records in Everything But the Girl before giving it all up to be a mum.
Poet, broadcaster and musician Ian McMillan teams up with Olympic composer Luke Carver Goss for an evening of imrpov, mirth and top tunes at the Trades Club on Monday 24 June.
June Tabor's pure voice has redefined folk music, but for the festival she joins forces with Jazz musicians Ian Bellamy and Huw Warren, The trio bring their Quercus project to the Birchcliffe Centre Tuesday 25 June a collaboration described by one critic as 'one of the most beautiful and surprising pieces of work I have heard for a long time.'
I am Kloot were nominated for Mercury Prize for their last album 'Let It All In' and their frontman John Bramwell plays his only solo acoustic show of the year at the Trades Club on Thursday 27 June. The following night political diarist and former Labour MP Chris Mullin will be considering the legacy of Margaret Thatcher at the Birchcliffe Center.
Superstar DJ Andrew Weatherall creates a Yorkshire version of his hip London Club 'A Love from Outer Space' at the Trades Club on Saturday 29 June and the next night legendary poet John Cooper Clarke - aka the Bard of Salford - brings the curtain down on the festival with a very rare West Yorkshire show at the Picture House.
The festival team have also brought back the popular Hebden Bridge Shorts showcasing three specially commissioned plays performed by professional actors who live in the town. Best selling teen author Melvin Burgess has also contributed a short play to the three night run that kicks off on Thursday 27 June at the town's Little Theatre.
In these tough economic time, the festival has also funded two free days of the best best in street theatre on Sunday 23 and Sunday 30. The Street Sundae days brings together a range of quirky acts including Uncle Tacko's Flea Circus, Stilted Elvis and the Spurting Man.
To see the full programme and book tickets go to the Festival website and at special pop up box offices in Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Saturday 25 and Saturday 1 June from 12-3.
Arts Festival Launch: more photos from Craig Shaw
Previously, the Festival on the HebWeb
- HebWeb News: Chris Mullins to talk about Margaret Thatcher (13 May 2013)
- HebWeb News: Arts Festival programme launch details (7 May 2013)
- HebWeb News: Arts Festival needs your undies (29 April 2013)
- HebWeb News: Hebden Bridge Monopoly Board (23 April 2013)
- HebWeb News: Outdoor fun: local creative talent wanted (10 April 2013)
- HebWeb News: Trades Club Entertainment manager Mal Campbell joins Festival team (8 March 2013)
- HebWeb News:Budding playwrights needed for Hebden Shorts (23 Feb 2013)
- HebWeb News: Arts Festival 2013: first act to be announced is comedian Daniel Kitson (18 Feb 2013)
- HebWeb News: Record turnout for Arts Festival open meeting (Nov 2012)
- HebWeb News: Arts Festival is looking for your memories (7 Nov)
- HebWeb News: New faces at Arts Festival (22 Oct)
- HebWeb News: Festival and Parade team up for 'sensational afternoon' next year (25 Sept)
- HebWeb News: Arts Festival seeks new board members (18 Sept)
- HebWeb News: Arts Festival 2012 is over (12 July)