Posted by Liz Osman 24 June 2010
The weekend of the 2nd-4th July sees the Yorkshire town of Cleckheaton host an array of folk frolics.
Based in numerous venues around the town there is something for everyone, young and old. Morris sides will be dancing in the streets whilst the pubs are hosting music sessions and sing-arounds. Kids can enjoy the bouncy castle, Punch and Judy and a host of other attractions.
On Saturday a Farmer’s Market, Continental Market and Craft Market will offer extra distractions, whilst the traditional parade has a Venetian Masked ball theme this year (costumes optional). There will be giant puppets complete with ring master and clown, teams of dancers, a couple of ships and maybe pirates too...
Saturday sees a free ceilidh, and the traditional Hiring Fair. There’s also a variety of workshops and ’Meet the Artistes’ events throughout the weekend.
Headlining the festival this year are Eliza Carthy and Saul Rose, Artisan (returning from a five year hiatus) and Dougie MacLean. Alongside these big hitters are a great variety of acts, including a number of exciting young talents.
Unaccompanied singers and great shantiers The Youg’Uns will be making an appearance, as will Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts (Kerfuffle). Young Celtic trio Tri are also ones to watch and Katriona Gilmore can be seen again as one of Rosie Doonan’s Snapdragons.
Fingers crossed that the sunshine continues, but whatever the weather Cleckheaton will be a memorable festival for all the right reasons.
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