WHARFEDALE FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS
held annually since 1900
INSPIRING PARTICIPATION
The Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts is an annual competitive Festival of Music and Drama which runs in May and Novemberof each year, and in 2024 we will be celebrating our 118th event.
Since the festival began in 1906, Kings Hall in Ilkley has hosted elements of the performances since those earliest days, and continues to be the venue for performing choirs and musicians. The Speech and Drama Festival now takes place at The Craiglands Hotel, and the Piano classes at Christchurch Sanctuary.
“Festivals are in the nature of a concert, examination and music lesson- competitors are not rivals but comrades pacing one another on the road to perfection”
Sir Walford Davies- Adjudicator at The Wharfedale Festival on several occasions between 1914 and 1925.
held annually since 1900
Competitive Music, Drama and Dance Festival
Over the years participants of the Wharfedale Festival have included all manners of choirs, country dances and singing games, verse ,mime and poetry writing, choral speaking , instrumental soloists and ensembles.
Until 2020 the Annual Dance Championship , led by the inspirational Ivy Wailes and her team of volunteers, was a highlight of the Festival calendar.
We look forward to welcoming you to Ilkley in 2023.
There remains a wide range of classes in all sections of the current Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts, providing a wide opportunity for performers of all ages, abilities and cultural heritage to play to an audience. We pride ourselves in being an inclusive Festival, encouraging and facilitating children and adults with additional needs to take part.
All performers receive constructive and encouraging professional feedback from our team of adjudicators.
Mrs. Blanche Woollin JP
HONORARY LIFETIME PRESIDENT
Sir James Hill, Bt OBE, DL, D Univ
HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENT
Committee Members
Mrs Pat Dibb
General Secretary
Mr Gordon Hunter
Treasurer
Mrs Julie James
Speech and Drama Secretary
Mrs Catherine Avery
music
Mrs Diane Paterson
Additional Needs Advisor
Mrs Margaret Smith
Committee Member
Mrs Ivy Wailes
Committee Member
Ms Linda Wellings
Piano Secretary and Music
Mrs Elizabeth Whiteley
Speech and Drama
held annually since 1900
Registered Charity Number 509227
Affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech .
Get in touch with us
We'd Love to hear from you
For any general enquiries, please do reach out and contact our team.