Richmond Ringers have an open afternoon as part of the Festival on 7 June when they hope that, although entry is free, visitors will donate generously to their appeal for funds to do a complete refurbishment of their tower with new bells and frame and restoration of their historic bells in a form which enables them to be viewed and enjoyed.

However they also have a major fundraising event in the form of a cycle ride from Richmond, Surrey to  Richmond, Yorkshire during which they will also take in a fair amount of ringing at towers across the country.

I was fortunate to be invited to Taylor’s Bell Foundry in Loughborough the other day to witness the production of two new bells for the Festival’s main concert venue - St. Andrew’s in Grinton. 

On Sunday 15 May 2016, there will be a special concert at Tennants Garden Rooms in Leyburn entitled RHAPSODY  by the award winning Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Penny MBE. 

Top choral composer/director Will Todd leads an enjoyable day of singing at Swaledale Festival's latest Big Sing Day.