Hebden Bridge is undeniably cool.
I’ve only been there a handful of times, mostly to take advantage of the incredible gigs happening at The Trades Club, yet it has left an undeniable mark upon me. It’s a got a wonderfully storied history, which it celebrates but isn’t obsessed by, and its spirit of independence is so thick you could cut it with a knife (a knife which is probably made locally from reclaimed/recycled fair-trade materials).
A key date in the town’s, already packed, calendar is the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival. Now in its 21st year, the festival takes place from 27 June to 5 July and promises to transform the entire town into a stage.
To find out more about just what’s happening I spoke to the festival’s director Helen Meller.
Just what is it that makes the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival unique?
The town, the landscape and, most importantly, its local community. ‘All the town’s a stage’ – it’s a very creative and questioning community from the classroom upwards and the Festival needs to meet their evolving needs as well as offering another great reason to come and visit the town. Situated half way between Leeds and Manchester we’re in quite a unique position to reflect the extraordinary work that is taking place in the urban centres of excellence alongside innovative home-grown and site specific work.
How has the festival changed over the past 21 years?
It started life as a 6-week literary festival and has evolved over the years to reflect the explosion of creativity north of Watford. A 10-day festival with two packed weekends of superb street entertainment and plenty of chances for the audience to be a player – a participant – not just a passive spectator feels about right.
How does the local community get involved with the festival?
We work really closely with local schools and community groups – this year we’re decorating trees and hoardings in the town to make sure that everyone gets a chance to make their mark. We’ve also got a cohort of Young Producers aged 14-18 who are creating their own #Yourfest so we’re hoping to encourage the next generation of festival producers and performers. We also programme a lot of work by local artists and Hebden Shorts this year features 6 new plays by local writers. And let’s not forget Hebden Means Business, a chance for local businesses to spotlight their activity too!
Are there any particular events/performances that you’re looking forward to this year?
I’m excited about the Martin Parr exhibition of Hebden Bridge photos – it was so magical getting to look through the archive and make our selection. I’ve followed the Tiger Lillies for 20 years so I’m delighted they’re playing my home town and I’ve a real soft spot for John Shuttleworth but I also and can’t wait to hear Simon Amstell’s new material pre-Edinburgh. I love the street days and the Open Studios and bring on the Disco Mums as a welcome break from the World Cup! Spoilt for choice!
Any hidden gems visitors should keep an eye out for?
Gruesome tales of Hebden Bridge from the UKs only open-top minibus and Le Grand D’Party, an ‘oh la la’ of a free party with French twist on the eve of the Grand Depart of the tour de France.
What’s it like to organise an event on this scale? Do you have any relaxing plans already in mind for when it’s all finished?
It’s an all-year round job really which builds to a crescendo around Easter time but the journey is a really exciting and unpredictable one. One minute you’re up a ladder hanging bunting and the next there’s a call to say Ruby Wax might be coming to town…
The lady in the office next to mine does massages so I’ve booked myself in for the second week of July!
The 21st Hebden Bridge Arts Festival takes place from 27 June to 5 July. To view the full programme and book your tickets visit: http://hebdenbridgeartsfestival.co.uk/