The village of Penistone is hosting a festival of local talent to celebrate all things art from Friday 15 to Monday 25 March.

Chrissie Yates, Chair of the festival, Penistone Arts Weeks, said: “There are a plethora of writers in Penistone with amazing artistic flair and this festival has given them a platform.”

After seven years of community success, the festival has seen the likes of Carol Ann Duffy, Ian Macmillan, and Willy Russell. Mrs Yates said: “2024 has blown us away.”

The festival includes a range of music, literature, drama, film and art.

The festival began in 2017 when Mrs Yates, invited residents and councillors to discuss setting up arts events for the community.

With no financial backing to raise funds for this year’s events, The Penistone Arts Collective – a group of talented artists, have created a 2024 calendar which will be sold in local stores, cafes and venues. 

One of the community’s favourite events is the annual High Street Gallery, which sees Penistone Arts Collective decorating the high streets’ shop windows with their artwork.

Another festival activity is the National Theatre Live’s The Motive and the Cue, an award winning new play by Jack Thorne, writer of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The show will go up on 21 March at 7pm at Penistone Paramount.

To check out the festival, go to Welcome to Penistone Arts Weeks 2024 – 15-25 March 2024 (wordpress.com)