Arts in Harrogate district: Call for volunteers to bring feva back strongly in 2021 in Knaresborough

FEVA festival - a fantastic 10 day programme of community entertainment, arts, performance, food, drink and culture in Knaresborough - is gearing up for an ambitious comeback next year - and it's offering people the chance to get involved as volunteers.
By Graham Chalmers
Published 12th Nov 2020, 17:19 BST
Updated 12th Nov 2020, 17:40 BST
Flashback to a popular highlight of FEVA festival in Knaresborough - Picnic in the Park. (Picture by Stuart Martin-Jones)Flashback to a popular highlight of FEVA festival in Knaresborough - Picnic in the Park. (Picture by Stuart Martin-Jones)
Flashback to a popular highlight of FEVA festival in Knaresborough - Picnic in the Park. (Picture by Stuart Martin-Jones)

Next year marks 25 years since the original 'Knaresborough Festival' was set up and, with the 2020 festival cancelled, the organising committee have used the time to take stock before making preparations for the 2021 edition.

A new chair is set to take over following the AGM in December and there are currently vacancies including a secretary and treasurer, alongside opportunities to support Friends liaison, fundraising, and general events.

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Each year FEVA stages over 90 separate events in and around the town – live music, art shows, plays, dance, literary performances, poetry readings, walks, talks, workshops, special menu offerings and quizzes.

With plenty of free entertainment aimed at children and families the 10 days has previously also featured parties on the beach at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre and builds up to the annual Picnic in the Park and Lions Beer Festival at Knaresborough House.

Current Chair Lucy Barrow says it's an exciting time to get involved: "It's been devastating for so many to have cancelled events in 2020, and it was the first time FEVA has ever been pulled.

"We've used the time wisely to take stock, and now we are working on establishing a new organising committee.

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"Obviously we will continue to track and follow guidance but all being well we will be able to bring our ambitious plans to fruition in 2021.

"We are fortunate to have been able to retain some funds from 2020, but we will need more.

"As a community festival we believe we have a responsibility in 2021 after such a difficult time to bring joy back to the local community and to boost tourism for the good of our local businesses.

"We'll be working harder than ever to do just that and we have everything crossed."

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The roles of secretary and treasurer are key to the smooth running of the Festival and expressions of interest are invited by Friday, November 28 to [email protected].

Enquiries from those interested in other roles are also welcome.

Please note FEVA is run and managed entirely by volunteers.

Related topics:ArtsKnaresboroughHarrogate