WHAT do painted pebbles and decorated doors, clog dancers and cream teas, piano players, heritage walks, floral fantasia, a question master and a murdered chef all have in common?

Well, St Andrew’s festival fortnight in Gargrave encompassed all these and lots more.

The aim of the event was to bring people together and celebrate all that is great about Gargrave’s village community.

As part of the festivities, an assortment of events took place, with a ‘murder mystery supper on the launch evening.

Diners enjoyed a meal at the fictional ‘Effingham Restaurant’ where their evening was rudely interrupted by the dramatic discovery of the chef (Russell Uppermeal)’s dead body. Cue clues aplenty and lots of red herrings.

Villagers and visitors of all ages were invited to come together and help make a 'Gargrave friendship path' of painted pebbles which ran all the way from St Andrew’s Church gate right up to the door with some really super creations from fantastic frogs and fish to lovely ladybirds and flowers.

Everyone loves a pub quiz and the one held at The Mason’s Arms as part of the festival was no exception. It was a full house with much fun and laughter and was declared ‘just like old times again.’

Tickets for a splendid afternoon tea sold out and those lucky enough to attend were entertained by a duo of talented pianists whilst they enjoyed their delicious delicacies, and a sing along too.

Gargrave Heritage Group put together a walking tour looking at buildings of interest and their changing use over the years.

This proved to be so popular it had to be divided into four groups with many requests for it to become a regular event.

St Andrew’s itself was decorated for the full fortnight by a fabulous array of well over 20 floral arrangements representing the activities of various village businesses and organisations which delighted both locals and visitors alike, as did the celebration concert, featuring a variety of music from four centuries. The regular organ recitals too, were both much appreciated very well received.

One of the biggest highlights was the ‘village variety show ‘ which just confirmed that Gargrave really does have talent.

From some stunning singers to perfect poets, a fabulous flower arranger to a captivating clog dancing couple and a lot more besides.

There was certainly something for everyone and a thoroughly entertaining evening was had by all. Children really enjoyed taking part in the autumn art project, getting very creative with an assortment of natural and seasonal materials whilst the ‘decorate your door’ initiative resulted in front doors all around the village being adorned with colourful pompoms and polka dots, ribbons and wreaths, bunting and even some giant sized sweets.

Jennifer Rowlands, festival committee lead, said:”We were thrilled with the response to the festival fortnight. So many highlights. People clearly enjoyed themselves, reconnected with old friends and maybe made some new ones too, I know I did.

“A massive thank you to all those who gave their time and their effort, their energy and their good will, it was a fantastic experience to work together.”

Gargrave vicar, Rev Andrew Steer, said: “Imagine you’re in the middle of a pandemic, it’s the second lockdown and your church is closed.

“You’re feeling hopeless but as vicar you’ve got to write a message of hope in the parish magazine. What do you write? Well, obviously you promise a party when it’s all over, fully expecting everyone to forget what you said. Except they didn’t!

“Why don’t we have a celebration for the village?” said one bright spark at the PCC meeting. “Why not a week of celebrations?” “I know, let’s have a festival!!” And so, the idea was born. A festival to celebrate the fact that St Andrew’s was back in business. St Andrew’s Fest!

“The idea grew wings, a committee was forged, and everyone had a cracking time. From organ recitals, to concerts, a pub quiz, a murder mystery, ‘Gargrave’s Got Talent’ and so much more, we simply wanted to celebrate being the village church for Gargrave.

“Now maybe it’s just me, but I suspect that Anglicans don’t always have a great reputation for celebrating. With our ancient buildings, dowdy robes (mainly the vicar) and penchant for historic language (do you know the difference between oblation and ablation?) we can seem a dour lot. However, we like to think that our little festival has set the record straight that we too love a good knees-up

“Huge thanks go to Jen, Freya and all those who worked tirelessly on putting it all together. And just in case you were wondering, I was on holiday when all the hard work took place, so I just rocked up and partied, as they say. “Can we do this every year?” someone asked? Watch this space.”

All money donated during the festival fortnight is being shared between The Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Manorlands Hospice.