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Kirkbymoorside resident Jean Illingworth who won the BBC York 'Great Neighbour' award in the 2025 'Make a Difference Awards' was on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday 25th March 2026 talking about the town she loves that has a 'long history and a big heart' and why she was given the award. Jean stressed the importance of  strong local communities and the need for neighbours looking out for each other in these 'difficult times'. She said that if "everyone who was helped by someone did the same for someone else, it would spread in an ever-growing chain of kindness." Jean managed to get a plug in for this year's Kirkbymoorside Gateway to the Moors Music Festival which is 31st July - 2nd August - see the website for more details: https://www.kirkbymoorsidetown.co.uk/kirkbymoorside-music-festival-2026 She was asked to appear on the show as part of the launch of this year's BBC Make a Difference Awards alongside 2025 BBC WM 'Young Hero' award winner Frazer, an 11-year-old football podcaster who is registered blind said he wanted to inspire other visually impaired people and help them to "think positively". So, if you know of anyone who makes a difference locally, say thank you to them by nominating them for the 2026 Make a Difference Awards. Nominations are open now and close at 5pm on Monday 31 March. For a full list of categories, see below - and details of how to nominate someone - go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference , where you can also see full Terms and our Privacy Notice. This year’s award categories are: The Volunteer Award : Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to the community by giving their time voluntarily to help others. The Community Group Award (supported by Morning Live): Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community. The Fundraiser Award : Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause. The Young Hero Award : awarded to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional. The Great Neighbour Award : Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness. The Active Award : Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community. The Environmental Award : Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment. The Animal Award : Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people's lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

Most of the 2026 Kirkbymoorside Music Festival events are now detailed on the Kirkbymoorside Town website, so have a look and start planning your festival weekend https://www.kirkbymoorsidetown.co.uk/kirkbymoorside-music-festival-2026 There is something for everyone, with a wide variety of musical genres at venues all over town. Early Bird and combined events tickets are selling fast so don't miss out - get your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/kirkbymoorside-gateway-tmoors-music-festival-2026-4812580?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb Also available to pre-order are limited edition festival t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.kirkbymoorsidetown.co.uk/category/festival-merchandise Kirkbymoorside Music Festival 2026 limited edition hoodies Kirkbymoorside Music Festival 2026 limited edition t-shirts

After the success of the inaugural Kirkbymoorside Gateway to the Moors Music Festival last summer, plans are well underway to repeat it again in 2026, bigger and better! Still encompassing and celebrating ‘Yorkshire Day’ as the focal point of the festival, the 2026 dates are Friday 31 st  July - Sunday 2 nd  August .  Events will take place across town centre venues and Church Street, and, as with last year’s festival, will be a mixture of ticketed, ‘for donations’ or free events with something for everyone. There will be more dance this year, with both Bollywood and Line Dance (back by popular demand) classes, Morris Dance sides performing, and a Ceilidh. Also back by popular demand for the Saturday night are the Maestros, who last year performed as the ‘Bootleg 60’s’ and gave us an unforgettable night of live music that had everyone up and dancing all night. This year they will perform the music of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, and the evening is bound to sell out. Another likely sell-out is our own amazing Kirkby Soul playing live on the Friday night. Two other ‘must-see’ acts are John Drakes (once more back by popular demand) and the wonderful ‘Boo Hewerdine’, an international star performing at the festival as a special favour to the organisers. John is supported by Lost in Eve, a female singer songwriter duo with wonderful harmonies who some were lucky enough to see at Rural Acoustic Music (RAM) in December last year. Boo is supported by singer songwriter Tymisha who has an incredible voice, making it an unforgettable evening. Saturday in the Methodist Church is a day dedicated to folk/ acoustic/traditional music, starting off with ukulele and then bodhrán lessons, then two brilliant duos, Mills and Farrell and The Browns and then local folk singer Nessy Williamson (who many enjoyed last year when she performed in the Moorside Coffee House). To finish the day off will be the Celtic Music Circle followed by a ‘sing-around’ where anyone can play. Over the weekend, the White Swan is showcasing some of our own fabulous Kirkbymoorside acts, including Alkelda, Spanking Monkeys, Diva Strop, the Moorside 3, the Infernos, Grayson and Jacobs and the Cover Ups. On Sunday morning there will be a 2-hour children’s disco party in the Memorial Hall, which due to the generous sponsorship of Little Years Nursery, will be free. There will be Country with the Howard Hebron Band in the Memorial Hall on Sunday afternoon, followed by the return of the Jackhare Ceilidh Band. Downstairs in the Memorial Hall will be the Acoustic Bar all weekend, with lots of wonderful acts performing, free entry and specially brewed KirkbymoorCidar on sale. There will other free performance in pubs and cafes across the town. We are delighted to have the return to All Saints of the Weighton Waytes Choir on Sunday afternoon, an extraordinarily moving choir that sings from the sacred to the contemporary. Our incredible Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band will play outside around midday on Saturday and, as a stunning finale to the festival on Sunday Evening in the James Holt Concert Hall, they will be joined by singers and musicians to perform the first ever ‘Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts BRASS Band’. Tickets are already on sale for some events at Eventbrite and more information and links to ticketing is available on the town website: https://www.kirkbymoorsidetown.co.uk/kirkbymoorside-music-festival-2026 . The purpose of the festival is not just to hear some great live music and have fun, but to promote the town and boost the local economy, and it is hoped that local shops and business will join in with window displays, special offers and their own promotion of the festival and their business. Anyone interested in helping out with the festival as stewards, technicians, bar staff or venue set-up / supervision should email Festival Director Jean Illingworth at kirkbymoorside.town@outlook.com .

Details of all main festival acts and events during the Kirkbymoorside Gateway to the Moors Music Festival 2026 Disabled Access to Music Festival Venues Click Here for all the Festival Information and Ticket Links

3 day music festival 31st July - 2nd August 2026 in venues across the town of Kirkbymoorside: folk, acoustic, rock, country, jazz, dance, and much more 2026 Kirkbymoorside Music Festival 2026 31st July - 2nd August Three days of great music and dance, with something for everyone, in venues across the welcoming, historic market town of Kirkbymoorside Click Here for the Festival Poster Tickets available on Eventbrite Click here for disabled access information Friday 31st July Barleytwist 2.30 pm G inger Hall Café + Courtyard The best of traditional folk with guitar, accordion and fiddle FREE Emma Lynne 3.00 pm All Saints' Church With a great voice and a string of live performances and appearances on BBC radio under her belt, 21-year-old Emma Lynne is fast becoming one of UK’s most sought-after singer-songwriters. Double bill with Casper Whithead Enigmatic singer, multi-instrumentalist, sound designer and composer whose performance will touch your soul. Tickets for Emma Lynn & Casper £10 History Walk 3.00 pm Meet at the Buttercross Explore the hidden history of Kirkbymoorside with a guided walk around the town £5 pay the Guide Accord 4.30 pm Memorial Hall Acoustic Bar 3 piece acoustic group with lovely harmonies FREE John Drakes 5 .30 pm All Saints' Church Back by popular demand, singer songwriter performing songs of love and loss, social commentary & environmental issues; thought provoking songs and stories that the audience will connect with. Supported by Lost in Eve performances anchored by vocal harmonies and rhythmic guitar. Their song writing is an expression of dreams, obsession and enlightenment. Welcome their dreams to your own, open your hearts to theirs, and allow yourself to become Lost in Eve. Tickets for John Drakes & Lost in Eve £12 Chief 6.15 pm Memorial Hall Acoustic Bar Up-beat folk / acoustic duo with harp piano, penny whistle and great vocals FREE Alkelda 6.30 pm White Swan Energetic folk music from 2 talented musicians, you’ll believe you’re in Dublin! FREE Kirkby Soul 8.00 pm Memorial Hall Fabulous 8 piece Soul Band with two lead vocals, guitar, bass, drums, trombone, saxophone and trumpet. Filling the dance floor with an evening of sensational soul music Tickets for Kirkby Soul £18 Saturday 1st August Bollywood Dance Class 10.00 am Memorial Hall with Shalma Zaman, founder of Yorkshire's first Bollywood Academy. Tickets for Bollywood Dance Class £10 Learn Ukulele 10.00 am Methodist Church tickets £5 Bodhrán Workshop 12.00 am Methodist Church tickets £5 Beginner ukulele lesson with Chris Simmonds followed by bodhrán workshop with Steve Bentley. Instruments provided, or bring your own (no experience necessary). Millie 10.00am Penny Bank Café The lovely voice of local girl Millie FREE Sue Knowles and Friends 11.00am G inger Hall Café + Courtyard Wonderful pianist Sue is joined by talented friends FREE Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band 11.30 am Church Street Kirkbymoorside's own award-winning brass band performs FREE Stubbsie 12.30 pm M emorial Hall Acoustic Bar Performing a few of their own compositions, along with an eclectic mix of cover songs including Simon & Garfunkel, Queen, Pink Floyd, Yazoo, Radiohead and others, duo Stubbsie bring great vocal harmonies, combined with acoustic guitars, bass and bodhran. FREE The Spankin' Monkeys 1.30 pm White Swan Beer Garden (£5 for the afternoon ) An uber-talented and highly entertaining trio of local musicians celebrating blues-based psychedelic rock. The Browns 2.15 pm Methodist Church a singer songwriter duo with vocal harmonies and a gift for storytelling through music, their original songs are expressive, poignant, and moving Tickets for The Browns £8 Mark David Roberts 2.30 pm All Saints' Church a folk guitarist and songwriter crafting songs rooted in story, simplicity, and lived experience. With finger-picked melodies and reflective lyrics, his music leans into quiet moments, human connection, and the beauty of things left unsaid. Double bill with the Pelican Babies refreshing, tuneful, harmonious, didgeridoo and harmonica playing, guitar picking song writing duo. Their songs travel through the landscapes of everyday living, the quiet wisdom of nature, and offbeat tales and have been included on a Disney film soundtrack. Tickets for Mark David Roberts and The Pelican Babies and £12 Esme Schofield 2.30pm George and Dragon The lovely voice of local girl Esme FREE 400 Roses 3.00 pm Church Street a unique dance troupe, that combine Tribal Belly Dance with UK-style Folk and Morris Dance. Accompanied live by their band, t' Thorns FREE Kate B 3.00 pm M emorial Hall Acoustic Bar Australian singer songwriter playing music that touches the soul & songs to uplift the heart FREE Mills & Farrell 3.45 pm Methodist Church offering their unique brand of ‘folk music for the twisted soul' this Australian and Nova Scotian duo shine with an acoustic guitar, a mandolin and their stunning harmonies Tickets for Mills & Farrell £9 Esme Schofield 3.45pm George and Dragon The lovely voice of local girl Esme FREE Bearnhardt 4.00 pm Memorial Hall Acoustic Bar singer songwriter crafting rugged Deep Folk and Alt-Country ballads rooted in bushranger ancestry and vast rugged Australian landscapes FREE Diva Strop 4.00 pm White Swan Beer Garden (£5 for the afternoon ) Female-fronted Rock/Pop covers band in true DIVA style! Nessy Williamson 5.30 pm Methodist Church performing traditional folk songs; she writes music inspired by the people and landscape that she loves. She has supported amongst others, Martin and Eliza Carthy, Vashti Bunyan, Ryley Walker, Martin Simpson, Jim Causley and Brona McVittie Tickets for Nessy Williamson £9 Boo Hewerdine 5 .30 pm All Saints' Church described as 'one of Britain's most consistently accomplished songwriters', Boo was the lead singer and creative force behind '80's band The Bible. As well as solo recordings and work for film and TV, he has many writing and producing collaborations including with T he Corrs, Chris Difford (of Squeeze), Marti Pellow (of Wet Wet Wet), Paul Young, K.D. Lang, Natalie Imbruglia and Eddi Reader. Supported by Tymisha Indie Pop Princess with an absolutely stunning voice, writing songs about love, heart break and the reality of life. Tickets for Boo Hewerdine & Tymisha £15 Simon Boult 5.45pm & 7.00pm Memorial Hall Acoustic Bar singer songwriter and fantastic guitarist FREE The Cover Ups 6.00 pm White Swan Beer Garden (£5 for the afternoon ) A polished and experienced band playing an excellent mix of classic rock and pop, guaranteed to get the night bouncing. Line Dance Class 6.00 pm Moorside Bar and Club with instructor PJ Tickets on the door £5 Ryedale Celtic Music Circle 7.15 pm Methodist Church a group playing traditional Irish and other Celtic Music, followed by a general Sing-Around at 9.00 so bring your instruments and join in FREE The Maestros 8.00 pm Memorial Hall (Bootleg 60's - back by popular demand), playing live the music of the 60's, 70's and 80's. Great musicians, great vocals and an authentic sound - live music at its best that will have you dancing all night Tickets for The Maestros £20 The John Lane Duo 8.30 pm All Saints' Church Relaxed Jazz from this talented duo playing a selection of standards, ballads and swinging tunes Donations towards PJ 9.00 pm Moorside Bar and Club singer PJ with all your country favourites Tickets on the door £4 Sunday 2nd August Hay Jays Children's Disco 10.00 am Memorial Hall not just playing great music, but games and sing-alongs too, creating an unforgettable party experiences packed with energy, laughter, sparkles and serious dance moves! (Suitable for children over 4). FREE (kindly sponsored by Little Years Nursery) History Walk 10.00 am Meet at the Buttercross Explore the hidden history of Kirkbymoorside with a guided walk around the town £5 pay the Guide Flo & Jones 10.30am George and Dragon Charming ukulele and lovely harmonies - playing covers from classics to modern favourites FREE Cox Brothers 12.15 pm Memorial Hall Acoustic Bar talented singer songwriter duo whose style is a fusion of folk, jazz and pop with a very distinctive funky edge; stunning guitar solos and rich textures over groovy guitar and soulful vocals FREE Moorside 3 1.30 pm White Swan Beer Garden (£5 for the afternoon ) A ‘Rockin-good’ 1950’s and 60’s themed band with their own unique and fun-filled show. Howard Hebron Band 1.45 pm Memorial Hall four piece live band playing the best of traditional country music you can't help singing and dancing along Tickets for The Howard Hebron Band £12 Flo & Jones 2.00pm George and Dragon Charming ukulele and lovely harmonies - playing covers from classics to modern favourites FREE Weighton Waytes Choir 2.30 pm All Saints' Church extraordinarily moving choir that sings from the sacred to the contemporary, leaving audiences with the same joy they feel when singing. Donations towards church roof The Scorchers 3.00 pm White Swan Beer Garden (£5 for the afternoon ) A highly professional band simply celebrating the best of the rock-a-billy and rock’n’roll era with the style, energy, and passion that goes with it. Truly brilliant! Aquarian Moon Music 3.45 pm Memorial Hall Acoustic Bar get those feet tapping with an upbeat banjo & 12-string country style mix & vocals from this talented local duo FREE Jackhare Cèilidh Band 5.00 pm Memorial Hall lively, rock inspired, seven piece ceilidh band playing mainly English traditional tunes for traditional English dances. Our caller will guide everyone through the programme - no previous experience necessary - just put on your dancing shoes and have some fun. Tickets for Jackhare Ceilidh Band £12 Grayson and Jacobs 5.00 pm White Swan (£5 for the afternoon ) Acoustic covers to suit every taste! The Stella Anderson Project 7.00pm Kings Head Celtic, punk/goth and classical roots, melodic piano hooks, spellbinding vocals and acoustic guitar, creating an eclectic performance FREE Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts BRASS Band 7.30 pm James Holt Concert Hall The award-winning Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band joined by singers and musicians to perform the music of The Beatles Tickets for Beatles Brass Band Concert £20 Click her for map of festival locations 2026 Limited Edition T-shirts available in the Memorial Hall Acoustic Bar during the festival

Details of all main festival acts and events during the Kirkbymoorside Gateway to the Moors Music Festival 2026 Map of Music Festival Venues Click Here for all the Festival Information and Ticket Links