Yorkshire’s best small festival is back for 2026 – HOLMFIRTH Arts Festival

Yorkshire’s best small festival is back for 2026

HOLMFIRTH Arts Festival is back in full flow for 2026 and thanks to funders, all events this year are free or donations welcome over the weekend.

The annual celebration known for its high quality street theatre, spectacular parade and community co-created events, will take over the streets of Holmfirth, with the main weekend of entertainment from 12-14 June.

The festival is again inspired by the River Holme through the theme of ‘Flow’, celebrating the Holme Valley landscape and the creativity of its people.

Now in its 19th year, the event has become a highlight on the Holmfirth calendar and will feature parties with live music to open and close the festival weekend.

The popular River of Art a community co-created art trail – will return to the banks of the River Holme, whilst hundreds of local people in hand-made costumes, giant woodland creatures, a gaggle of Nora Battys and a ‘mass brass’ ensemble will accompany the Townships in Flow Parade, which cascades through the town at 4.30pm on Saturday 13 June.

There will be traditional British and contemporary Brazilian music, Bhangra and French Breton dancing , choirs and singers performing popular songs and songs, Wooldale Warblers along local schools and with giant puppets, craft workshops, VR experiences, and aerial circus spectacle.

Festival director Bev Adams said: “Thanks to our funders including Arts Council England, The Graveship of Holme, Kirklees Council, One Community Foundation and Holme Valley Parish Council, we are able to produce an action-packed festival full of top quality arts and culture, for all ages. 

“There will be something for everyone and plenty of opportunity to get involved and add your own creativity to the Mass Brass, River of Art, the Townships in Flow Parade, and for mature women, they can strut their stuff and behave immaturely as the unique Roaming Noras. So please come along to one of our free making, music or dancing events. See our website for information.

“Although the bulk of our costs are funded, which enables us to pay world class performers from across the local area and the UK, we are asking that people attending also make a donation (in our buckets) and Pay As They Decide for our opening and closing parties and showcase events. 

“This enables us to continue to support local talent and bring inspiring performances to the Holme Valley.”

She added that the festival was only possible thanks to the sterling efforts of a voluntary Board of Trustees, and an army of reliable and enthusiastic volunteers. Patrons of the festival are actress Jessica Gunning and comedian Kieran Hodgson, who remain proud of their Holmfirth roots.

Jan Ansell, chair of the festival board, added: “Our focus, this year, is on the new springs of local talent that are bubbling up in our vibrant valley, and we are showcasing some of the creativity of some of our younger people on 28 June at the talent showcase.

“This is also the final year of festival director Bev Adams. She has done a marvellous job leading the event over the past eight years and has brought many exciting and memorable moments to Holmfirth during her tenure. She will be sorely missed by us all and will be remembered as the ‘Queen of the Parade,’ having returned this popular historic event to the town.”

Activities will be happening around the centre of Holmfirth at locations including Holmside Gardens and the Methodist Church.

The festival will be launched on Friday 12 June at The Box Office, with a performance by Dr Pete’s Salsa Band, with a Caribbean style atmosphere, with dancing tips from Holmfirth Salsa Group. 

Sunday 14 June is a day of environmentally themed street theatre with Earthbound’s aerial theatre show – For the Love of Stuff, Chicks on Sticks Enchanted Woodland and Studio GoGo’s VR Playground, followed by a family friendly closing party at The Picturedrome, with a lively performance by Happy Daggers, with funky original tracks and dance anthems.

The New Streams talent showcase takes place Sunday 28 June, from 2pm, at the Picturedrome, providing a platform for emerging and new talent featuring young people from local high and music schools. Expect fresh ideas, bold performances and amazing talent with a performance from local band, Deadwax, mixing UK hip-hop, dance, and metal, bring the 2026 festival, bringing the 2026 festival to a close.

For more details see www.holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk