Reeth Arts Festival
Dales Radio Podcasts
Wednesday, 10 July 2024 - 8 minutes
The Reeth Arts Festival is on at the end of August in Reeth, a rural home to many artists, of all forms, some of which are at the start of their creative journey, others well established.
In this podcast, Organiser Imogen from Reeth talks about how the event came about and how it is an opportunity for local artists to exhibit and to shine a spotlight on local art. The festival includes writing, textiles, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, metalwork, music and dance.
The artists become stallholders during this one-day event which is held outdoors in a field overlooking Fremington Edge, in the National Park. It’s a stunningly beautiful location for the festival, and creates the perfect space for self-expression, showcasing art, and for the enjoyment of those who visit the festival.
Some of the participant artists 'create' on the day of the festival, for example if their art is to paint - then some will paint so that the visitors can see them 'at work', this brings the art to life, and enables the visitors to be able to get a real idea of how that specific type of art is created, which sparks further interest in people who may like to try and create when they get home. It can be very inspirational, especially for children. 
The festival has singers and musicians from the local area performing throughout the day, there is also a poetry/written word slot which allows children from the local school to take to the stage to read out their work if they wish to do so.
‘Importantly to me, I wanted to make sure that the festival was accessible to everyone no matter their financial situation, in the vain of inclusivity'. Says Imogen, 'There is no admission charge to the festival, and nor is there any fee for stall holders and artists to pay for a spot at the festival to exhibit. I wanted to make this (and keep this) an event that any one individual or family can enjoy no matter their financial situation. In addition, any money that is then spent can be aimed at where it is most valued - which is for the artists who are producing such lovely work for people to buy and cherish’.
Visitors to the festival last year were a mixture of local people and tourists, as Reeth is a tourist spot all year round, but especially in the summer months, as well as being on the 'coast to coast' walk.
There will be hot food available at the festival provided by ‘Smokin Barrel’, & hot and cold drinks.
The event is supported by Richmond Council Stronger Communities Inspire Fund, & the Dales Cycle Centre in Fremington.
This year the festival runs from 10.30am until 5pm on Saturday 31st August in ‘the field next to Dorant 4x4 in Reeth’. It will be signed as you come through Fremington. Come along and join in!
