May 13, 2007

Fancy a Breton dance, Caribbean jazz or poetry and chips?

The Hebden Bridge Arts Festival programme has started
to arrive in shops, cafes and venues all over the area.

Whether you love jazz, classical, rock or world music, whether you’d rather dance Breton style or listen to poetry; whether you’d rather see world-renowned stars or home-grown talent – a Breton dance, Caribbean jazz or poetry and chips?

This weekend saw the official launch of the Festival programme, with details of more than 60 performances and events, workshops and exhibitions. And, on the Festival website at, there are even more details of the open artists’ studios and local gardens that will be on view to the public.

Special guests this year include Honor Blackman, Ian McMillan and two top comedians en route to the Edinburgh’s Fringe. There are fascinating theatre productions, an evening for horror lovers and plenty for the children, including some sparkling street entertainment, a puppet play and art workshops.

And, as an exciting addition to the main programme, there will be a series of events linked to the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. This Freedom! Freedom? programme begins with the world premiere of Can’t Chain Up Me Mind by the huge Grand Union Orchestra.

Postal bookings opens today Monday, May 14 and programmes are available at the Tourist Information Centre in Hebden Bridge and Hebden Bridge Picture House and will shortly be available at libraries in the area, tourist information centres, plus countless cafes, shops and pubs. 

“It’s a fantastic programme and we do expect, like last year, that some events will sell out extremely quickly,” says Festival organiser Enid Stephenson. “We do advise people to have a look at what’s on as soon as they can. Telephone and in-person bookings start from June at the Festival Shop on Albert Street in Hebden Bridge.

”We’re looking forward to seeing lots of new faces – people who are only just discovering that you don’t have to go further than Calderdale to see world-class performances,” adds Enid. “And, of course, we’ll be welcoming back all those people who already know what a fantastic event it always is.”