Wetherby Arts Festival
About us, where it all started and ways to volunteer
Where it all started
It began in 1977. It was the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. 47 years ago.
The vicar of Wetherby at the time was the Rev Jonathan Bailey. He got together forty organisations. They judged it a good idea to hold a Festival of Arts.
The Festival lives on.
Over forty years later, people still think it a splendid idea to bring the community together and attract people to our town.
The Festival programme will be widely circulated inside the September edition of the free magazine, Excelle. Tickets can be purchased on-line and also from the Festival Box Office in Wetherby itself.
Outstanding talent
Over the years there have been some famous names from the world of arts alongside local talent. They have included Stéphane Grappelli, Humphrey Littleton, Honor Blackman, Roger McGough, Julian Lloyd Webber and comics fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe such as Tom Wrigglesworth and Dr Phil Hammond.
Each year brings something new and enjoyable to be able to inspire the younger generations and bring art into Wetherby community.
Are you an artist, performer or have something to offer in the arts? Then we want to hear form you.
Volunteer
We have a stand-up team currently set up to organise the event with varying skills and passions. We are always open to new volunteers to help with the festival. Below is a selection of areas we need help with, so if you do want to get involved just get in touch
Think you could help?
Photographer
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional we really need someone with a good camera, an eye for detail and to take shots at our events to be used on the website, and printed media.
Marketing / PR/Social media
Liaising with the press, designing posters and tickets. Helping to update the website and engaging in social media activity. Writing stories and content for our news & updates section on the website.
Outreach
Helping to manage acts, artists and the many contributors. You could have technical knowledge in stage management or are good at coordinating and recruiting artists.
Sponsorship
Have you got the gift of the gab? We need people who are great negotiators and can build rapport with any character. Helping to raise sponsorship for our many events.
On hand volunteer
Joining the refreshments team – serving teas/coffees/wine at our events. Helping at events – working with artists and technicians to make them a success. Helping in the Box Office – selling tickets. Welcome people at the entrance.
Management committee
It all starts here where you can make the big decisions on the festival. You could be an event planner as a profession or have business skills in running an organisation.