TADCASTER is preparing to stage its first ever arts festival from this weekend.

The week-long event, which starts on Saturday, is intended to celebrate all that is best in the performing and visual arts, drawn from the local community, said organiser Kirsty Perkins.

“We wanted to showcase the talent that our town and nearby villages has to offer - from our youth groups through to local businesses, artists and galleries,” she said. “Tadcaster has so much to offer.”

She said the festival gave people the chance to try something new... ‘write a poem, learn to play an instrument, watch a show at the Riley Smith Hall, visit a gallery or Littleland out in the woods.’

She said: “It all starts at noon on Saturday at the festival information hub down on the cobbles outside Costa, where people can find out about everything going on, and there will be a selection of arts and crafts stalls and live music.”

She said she had been overwhelmed by the support of local groups and businesses coming forward with ideas and events, and the time given by volunteers involved with the Tadcaster Events Management Project Team.

She said events planned included a pop-up cinema, ballroom dancing and modern jive, and a ‘danceology showcase,’ at the Riley Smith Hall.

A dance workshop at Manor Farm will give youngsters the chance to learn to dance like their favourite pop star, with classes taught by professional dance teacher Zoe Meek.

There will also be an open mic night at the social club, a samba drumming and “learning funny” comedy workshop at Manor Farm, a poetry workshop, creative writing workshop and floristry class and afternoon tea at the library.

A family art class would be held at Rosemary House, open to a variety of ages and allowing families to take part in an activity together but taught by a professional art tutor.

There were also plans for a”Grease” screening at Magnet Sports Club while Oliver! would be performed at the Riley Smith Hall by Just for Fun Theatre Group, which was founded in September 2012 with just fifteen children who came along for a “taster” session and now involves 140 children in total.

“Little Land Art Gallery is a woodland art gallery situated on the Wetherby road just outside Tadcaster,” she said. “Owner and resident artist Chub Perkins will be opening the gallery for the arts festival on Tuesday July 10 and Thursday July 12.

“People can come down, enjoy viewing some work from local artists, have a wander through the woods and just take in the tranquil surroundings.”

For more information, go to www.tadcasterevents.com website or phone 01937 831686.