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Annual events in Sedbergh

A variety of regular events take place each year in Sedbergh. These are summarised below, further details will be posted on the Sedbergh website events calendar or can be obtained from the Sedbergh Tourist Information Office (phone 015396 20125) as they become available.

Sedbergh & District Spring Show

Sedbergh People's HallSedbergh People's Hall.

The Spring Show is held in early April in the People's Hall. There is a wide range of categories including crafts, hand made toys, flowers & plants, garments, home produce, art & photography and special children's sections plus local organizations' publicity stands.

Sedbergh Gala

Gala Queen 2004 Sedbergh's Gala Queen 2004, getting ready to march to the throne.
Sedbergh Town Band Sedbergh Town Band in the 2005 procession.

The Sedbergh annual gala has been taking place every year since 1964. It is held towards the end of May on Lupton Field, Back Lane. Proceeds from the Gala and the bonfire celebrations in November are used to provide a children's party every January for all primary school children in the area and to assist local groups and individuals who need support for specific causes.

Typical attractions have included:

Sedbergh Music Festival

From the earliest times churches have been the home of the visual arts but they have also been places of music. Over a two week period in June, every two years, St Andrew's Parish Church hosts a collection of musical recitals, concerts, talks, lunches and dinners.

Further details of the Music Festival are available at www.sedbergh.org.uk/musicfestival/.

Sedbergh Folkfest (Formerly The Dent Folk Festival)

The former Dent Folk Festival has been widely regarded as one of the best small folk festivals in the country, with a reputation for being very well organised and having a superb atmosphere. In 2009, after 6 years, this popular festival had outgrown its original site and moved to a new venue on a stunning site under the Howgill Fells at Sedbergh. Following the success of the 2009 festival it was decided to change its name to better reflect where the festival iS now held. The festival is still organised by the same dedicated team, all that's changed is its name.

The festival is held towards the end of June each year and has something for everyone including a full programme of family events and on site camping. Full details of the festival are available on the Sedbergh Folkfest web site.

Sedbergh Book Town Festival of Literature & Drama

2005 saw the launch of Sedbergh's first Book Town Festival of Literature & Drama with 30 events in 12 locations. In September each year the Sedbergh Festival of Literature and Drama will provide a wide selection of book-related, art, drama, literary and musical events.

Bonfire Celebration

This takes place on the Saturday nearest to the 5th of November with a bonfire at the People's Hall playing fields and a massive firework display on the adjoining fellside, please check our Events Calendar prior to the event for precise details of date and time. Additional attractions include a competition for the best guy, pumpkin and turnip, games, hot food from Garth Steadman's Dales Kitchen, stalls with home made soup, mulled wine, jacket potatoes, fibre optic sparklers, tombola, bran tub, sweets, pop and toffee apples.

Late Night Opening & Christmas Lights Switch-on

Late night shoppers in Main Street Late night shoppers in Main Street.

For one evening in early December Sedbergh's Main Street is closed to traffic (except for Santa's 4x4 "sleigh") for the switching on of the Christmas lights. Most shops stay open late for people to enjoy the hospitality of the local traders. Additional attractions include seasonal band music, carols, Santa's Grotto, "Spot the Item" competition, raffle, mulled wine, mince pies, roast chestnuts and other festive fayre.