Ryedale | Archive | 2003 | August | 06
From the Gazette & Herald, first published Wednesday 6th Aug 2003.
THIS year's Ryedale Festival has been hailed as one of the best ever - and has given the district a big boost both economically and culturally.
Festival chairman Peter O'Malley said the three-week-long festival, which ended on Sunday and had a strong Spanish theme throughout, had seen many performances sold out and all others well supported.
"It has been a great success due to its diversity - from opera and classical performances to modern music," he said.
Visitors came from as far as Hong Kong, Japan, the United States and Ireland, as well as all parts of Britain, said Mr O'Malley.
Concerts and performances were held in a wide range of venues throughout the area, including stately homes and landmarks such as Duncombe Park, Castle Howard, Hovingham Hall, Sledmere House, Howsham Hall, Gilling Castle, and Settrington House.
They also took in village churches at Lastingham and Sheriff Hutton, and Thornton-le-Dale Methodist Church.
Among the biggest successes was Don Giovanni at The Riding School, Settrington, the community opera Voyage Of The Maris Piper at Malton School, and Garden Opera's production of Carmen at Botton Village, said Mr O'Malley.
He said that with many patrons staying in the area to attend performances and resultant spending in shops and restaurants, Ryedale had benefited considerably from the festival.
With ticket sales only providing about a third of the income needed to stage the festival, sponsorship and grants were vital. Ryedale District Council, Yorkshire Arts and the National Lottery all contributed, and there had been excellent support from local businesses and private individuals.
"We do rely a great deal on the generosity of our financial supporters and the Friends of Ryedale Festival," said Mr O'Malley, who added that schemes were now being developed to secure funding for the future.
Next year's festival, which is likely to have a Czech theme, is to be held from July 16 to August 1.
Updated: 12:25 Wednesday, August 06, 2003
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