ORGANISERS of this year’s Holmfirth Arts Festival, which ended on Sunday, have announced that it ‘was the best festival ever’.
But they are not resting on their laurels – they have pledged to make the 2014 event even bigger and better.
And they hope that as it will take place just before the spectacular arrival of the Tour de France, it will be even more popular.
Click below for our Holmfirth Artweek 2013 gallery.
Over 2,000 people bought tickets to events during the 10-day celebrations, ranging from contemporary jazz, chamber music, comedy, textile workshops, and exhibitions.
In addition families flocked to the free family fun day on Sunday in Victoria Park to enjoy Uncle Tacko’s flea circus and Bob Clayden’s camera obscura picture of Holmfirth.
Festival Director Fiona Goh, who was brought on board this year to run the event, said: “We are delighted with the way it went.
“Despite slightly soggy weather at times, crowds of people attended our opening fire sculpture event in Holmeside Gardens and things just went from strength to strength.”
She said highlights of the festival included a performance by Chinese classical guitarist Xuefei Yang who celebrated her love of Last of the Summer Wine by playing her own version of the theme tune at the end of her concert.
There were also sold-out houses for comedian Mark Thomas, the Heath Quartet, broadcaster Andy Kershaw and the anarchic show Comedy in the Dark.
Audiences danced the night away at the festival finale with the International Mambo Orchestra and DJ Lubi, the UK’s top Latin dance music DJ.
Kitty Wright, who chairs the festival board, said: “We’ve had some fantastic feedback with many people saying that this has been the best Holmfirth Arts Festival ever.
“Now we are looking forward to 2014 with the Tour de France coming through Holmfirth”.
Holmfirth Arts Festival was funded by Arts Council England, Kirklees Council, Holme Valley Parish Council and received support from many local businesses and individuals.
The Tour de France will be in Yorkshire on July 5 and 6 next year. The world’s top cyclists are widely expected to race through Huddersfield and Holmfirth on the Sunday, although the exact route will not be unveiled until October.
