Published 9th May 2023, 06:00 BST

There is to be comedy, and song, garden parties and creative intent, with street theatre, bellringing, parades and music.

And in a nod to Holmfirth's setting for Last of the Summer Wine, there are also to be aerial displays for the first time featuring the characters of Compo and Nora.

The festival, now in its 14th year, aims to bring world-class endeavours to this vibrant town, while connecting communities with the arts and their heritage.

Aerial dancers Deborah Sanderson and Vince Virr, of Urban Angels, warming up ahead of their performance of 'Flamin Nora and Flying Compo', at Homfirth Arts Festival on 17 June, 2023. Image credit: Marie Keen

Director Bev Adams said it takes almost a full year of planning, made possible with the support of volunteers and sponsors. This year's theme will be Forces of Nature.

The festival weekend from June 17 in particular, she said, will "fill the town" with music, performance and song.

She said: "It's bringing people together, doing creative things, and seeing world-class street theatre. And also for not a lot of money, as events are free or for a donation.

"It's about families coming out, being outdoors, and enjoying something for everybody together. There is a real buzz to the town."

Story Walk around Holme Village by Holmfirth Writers Group takes place at Holmfirth Arts Festival in July 9 and September 3. Image: Peter Belsey

Over the course of the festival's season to October, Comedian Jenny Eclair is to headline, while there will be Irish bands, soul and blues singers, two brass bands, and five walks.

The June weekend will see street theatre taking over the town centre, with outdoor music, art installations, as well as a popular parade and bell ringing for the first time in 30 years. Then through the year, Irish music, theatrical productions, performance poetry, and symphony orchestras.

One of the biggest events will be a music festival garden party on June 17, before the Forces of Nature Parade with communities taking part in a tradition that dates back centuries.

Holmfirth is famous as the setting of Last of the Summer Wine, and there will also be a nod to the 50th anniversary of the filming of Britain's longest running sitcom.

Jenny Eclair is to perform at Holmfirth Arts Festival on October 7.

Aerial artists Deborah Sanderson and Vince Virr practiced in rehearsals ahead of their performance at the festival weekend, where they will swing from the church belltower.

Dressed in vintage costume as Compo and Nora Ms Sanderson, of Urban Angels Aerial, donned an apron and stockings while Mr Virr was in wellies and a woolly hat.

She said: "We had a great time rehearsing for our performance on the church belltower. I've never performed in wrinkly stockings before."

Events are planned across the breadth of the Holme Valley, starting with Kyla Brox at Brockholes Village Hall on May 20, and ending with a lantern trail on October 13.

Picture : Lorne Campbell / Guzelian. Members of Hade Edge Brass Band, which will perform at Holmfirth Arts Festival

"There is lots of new work for the festival," added Ms Adams. "People should be excited because it's coming to their doorsteps right here in Holmfirth."

For the full line up visit www.holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk.

Holmfirth Arts Festival: Street theatre and aerial displays to feature with nod to the heritage of Last of the Summer Wine