Well, what a fabulous festival! The town looked lovely, festival flags flew in the sunshine, the music was amazing and there was a real feeling of joy in the air.

 

Day One (Yorkshire Day) started with RAM (Rural Acoustic Music), with great performances from Isabel Maria, Aquarian Moon, DJ and Jamie O, followed a wonderful and moving concert from John Drakes and Carrie Martin in the candle lit All Saint’s Church.

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Meanwhile, BBC Radio Yorkshire presenters, Toby and Chelsea, concluded their mission to ‘Race to Yorkshire Day’ in Kirkbymoorside’s recently refurbished  White Swan pub, where they interviewed performers and local residents and concluded with the whole pub singing ‘On Ilkley Moor Baht ’at’.

 

The final event of the day was an absolutely brilliant performance by the amazing Bootleg 60's, with everyone dressed up in 60’s outfits and really letting their hair down, dancing and singing all night.

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Day Two started with an Open Mic session, and then the wonderful Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band, playing in the sunshine, really got everyone in the mood. From then on, there were events in pubs and cafes across Kirkbymoorside, including high energy teenage band Chocolatebox, and beautiful performances from Bel Larson, Grayson & Jacobs, Nessy Williamson, Casper Whitehead and Barleytwist.

 

All Saint’s Church was packed for a moving performance by Wounded Bear, followed by the lovely harmonies of Flo and Jones and then Jazz with John Lane and Friends. Meanwhile, there was great fun in the Memorial Hall with a packed line dancing class with PJ, followed by an evening of country music from PJ and The Breeze, and great band Spanking Monkeys at the Black Swan.

 

The final day started with a fun and free children’s disco and then a sold-out 1940’s Tea Dance, with guests dressed in authentic ‘40’s outfits, a full afternoon tea and dancing to the Vintage Singer and DJ Lynne. Those needing a sit down, could listen instead to the lovely Moorland Voices choir in the church.

 

On both Saturday and Sunday, the Kirkbymoorside History Group gave guided walks around the historic market town, and these fascinating talks were very well attended, with some visitors coming just for those.

 

To close the festival, raconteur singer songwriter David Swann (and friends) packed the Methodist Church and had everyone singing along.

 

As well as Kirkbymoorsiders who joined in the madness and filled venues, the town had lovely guests from all over the country, from as far away as Taunton, London, Southampton and even France.

 

Festival Director, Jean Illingworth, said that “We were delighted to see so many lovely visitors in the town, many of whom commented on how welcome they felt and how friendly everyone was.  One lady from Sussex, came to see one particular artist, but stayed and spent 4 nights in a local hotel and attended every event (and said she’ll be back next year).”

 

As well as thanking all the wonderful musicians that gave of their time and talent, Jean would like to thank the Kirkbymoorside In Bloom team for making the town so pretty, the Kirkbymoorside Litter Picking Network for keeping it clean and tidy, and all the excellent volunteer stewards for being so helpful.

 

“Lots of people have taken the time to thank me personally, which has touched me deeply,” said Jean, “but it’s been a huge team effort, so massive thanks to all the Music Festival Team and to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority who have kindly funded the inaugural Kirkbymoorside music festival.”

 

“We had four objectives,” said Jean. “To bring great music to the town, put Kirkbymoorside on the map, boost the local economy, and have fun! I’m delighted we succeed in all four.” 

Click HERE for Festival Programme                                                            ​

 

The music festival was brought to you by the Kirkbymoorside Community Support Group and is supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

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