A ‘Bob Up’ event held by the Great Place: Lakes and Dales (GPLD) programme in Skipton attracted interesting feedback on the area’s cultural offering.

The event, at Skipton Library, was part of ongoing research by the lottery-funded project into encouraging greater numbers of younger people to stay and live in the area.

France-Leigh Hadrysiak from GDPL’s creative economy team said amongst those who attended were artists, young mums and a university student.

"We chatted about current strengths and cultural offer of Skipton; where there were gaps and what should be extended, " she said.

“A common theme was a lack of connected networks in the town. The perception seems to be that there is a lot going on in individual groups and small networks but residents not already connected to a scene find it hard to find out what's happening.

“The variety of interesting spaces and venues was mentioned as a real asset to the town and there was a strong interest in using them in different ways to enhance the town’s offer in a cultural and heritage sense.”

Other points raised concerned inclusivity and there was praise for the town’s community spirit plus Skipton Town Hall’s broad range of performances, exhibitions and workshops.

France-Leigh added: “Overall, there was a definite feeling that people were keen to see Skipton's cultural scene thrive and be more connected.”

France-Leigh and her colleague, Emily Wilson, are ‘bobbing up’ all over the Lakes and Dales over the next few months and would like to talk to residents, business owners, community leaders and all those in between about what the current creative offer is for the area and how that could be enhanced to help meet the project aims.

‘Bob Ups’ take place on the first Thursday of every month, with the next one to be held at Fairfield Mill, Sedbergh, between 2pm and 6pm on October 4.