Procession to launch Grassington Festival (From Craven Herald)

Procession to launch Grassington Festival

2:19pm Thursday 14th June 2012 in Leisure

The wheels are in motion for Grassington Festival, which starts tomorrow (Friday).

Youngsters have been busy creating banners and costumes for a carnival procession that will open the event. It sets off from the car park on Hebden Road at 5.30pm and makes its way to the Square via Main Street and Garrs Lane.

This year’s festival also includes an art trail featuring work inspired by the Leeds Art Gallery’s Lending Collection and a giant drawing workshop in the village square on Sunday, using wheelbarrows, balls and bike parts.

Making only its second public appearance will be Exxopolis, a luminarium devised by Architects of Air featuring coloured domes as tall as houses and a shining tree-like centrepiece. It will host various events, including a life drawing class, laughter yoga, a creative writing workshop and storytelling.

Running for two weeks, Grassington Festival offers a mix of music, comedy, theatre, poetry, dance, talks and visual arts. Performers include DJ Andy Kershaw, legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela, comedian and actor Alan Davies, 60s group The Animals with Friends and Billy Ocean. Local artistes are included in the line-up, including Hetton singer Jen Armstrong, who will provide support at the Billy Ocean concert.

There is also a new series of food, drink and culture events. Cultural Flavours brings together food, wine and cultural experiences, with The Devonshire Fell at Burnsall, Grassington House and The Angel Inn at Hetton hosting a cookery masterclass and an evening food and music event. For tickets or details, call (01756) 752691 or visit grassington-festival.org.uk org.