On behalf of the committee I would like to welcome you all to our Festival. This year, as always, we have what we think is a varied and interesting programme including some old favourites and some items new to the Dale.

Under the Talks heading we have a return for Professor Anthony Slinn the art historian to give his much admired talk on Vincent van Gogh. With him we have Agincourt , a history by author Juliet Barker. This is a fascinating subject by one of the uppermost experts on the time, as anybody who has read her book will know.

Our walks this year have once again been arranged by Hazel Emslie so you can expect top quality walks with interesting histories. One that stands out is the History Walk 2 which will include a talk by centagenarian Peggy Garnett-Jones in her home.

For music fans, what could be better than an evening of music in delightful surroundings? Maybe two such evenings? We have Summer Souvenirs with soprano Marika van der Meer at Birstwith and Nidd Chorale at Middlesmoor Church with what, I think, are the best views in the area.

It is probably invidious to try and pick any events that are better than others but two deserve mention. Dame Joan Bakewell has been in the news of late in her position as spokeswoman for older people. She has led a fascinating life since her early appearances in Late Night Line Up. Her talk at the Pateley Bridge Memorial Hall is greatly anticipated. And lastly we have a concert by the superb Kathryn Tickell band. Kathryn is an internationally renowned Northumbrian piper and her appearance in the Festival is a major coup. She has recently been presented the Queens Medal for Music in person by Her Majesty. Again, an event not to be missed.

So, whatever your tastes, this year's Festival has something for you. Open the Events page and enjoy.

Steve Boast

Thank you for your interest in the Nidderdale Festival 2009.