Our packed 2009 programme!

 Wed 14 Oct

WETHERBY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP - ‘Free as Air’ – Methodist Hall, 7.30 pm. Tickets £8

A young heiress runs away from an amorous racing driver & the paparazzi.  All are reunited in a light-hearted portrayal of mayhem on a fictitious Channel Island!

Thurs 15 Oct

YORKSHIRE’S BIGGEST LIAR COMPETITION - Swan & Talbot, 8.15 (last meal orders 7.30).  FREE EVENT

Join us for a feast of the tallest, most outlandish tales.  Your vote helps decide who’s crowned Yorkshire’s Biggest Liar!

WETHERBY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP - ‘Free as Air’ – see Weds 14th October for details.  Tickets £8.

Fri 16 Oct

WETHERBY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP - ‘Free as Air’ – see Weds 14th October for details.  Tickets £8.

Sat 17 Oct

WETHERBY DISTRICT FOOTPATH GROUP - ‘Festival Walk’ – meet at the Wilderness Car Park at 1.30 pm.  FREE EVENT

A 5.5 mile guided walk around Wetherby, followed by an optional afternoon tea at Wetherby Methodist Church.  Cost of afternoon tea £3.  Just pay on the day.  N.B. No dogs.

LEEDS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - St James’ Church, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £10 . OL PR MR

Conductor: Martin Binks

Overture: Sicilian Vespers  Verdi

Concerto for 3 trumpets  Teleman

Incidental music: Midsummer Night’s Dream  Mendelssohn

Ballet Music:  Le Cid  Massenet

Symphony no. 8 in G  Dvorak

FESTIVAL CEILIDH - with Brian’s Ceilidh Band and Caller – Methodist Hall, 7.30.  Tickets £5.

An evening of traditional English country music and dance.

Sun 18 Oct

DOUG SCOTT, MOUNTAINEER – ‘A Crawl down the Ogre’ – The Bridge Inn, Walshford,7.30 pm.  Tickets £12.50. OL PR MR

Pioneering Everest mountaineer Doug Scott is back in Wetherby by popular demand with a fascinating account of another epic journey.  Bar available.  Carvery meal to order in advance.  Please phone 01937 580115 to book a meal.

Sponsored by the Wetherby Whaler.

Tues 20 Oct

SIMON MAYOR & HILARY JAMES, ACOUSTIC DUO - Wetherby Social Club,Sandbeck Way, 8 pm.  Tickets £12.50. OL PR MR

Hilary and Simon showcase their virtuoso blend of beautifully crafted music and song.  ’Sheer musical brilliance!’ BBC World Service. Bar available.

Workshops for Wetherby Primary Schools:

Indigo Moon Theatre – puppets inspired by the European, Indian and Indonesian Traditions.

Simon Mayor and Hilary James – with their special blend of music and humour.

Sponsored by Wetherby Town Council.

Wed 21 Oct

LITERARY LUNCH – ‘The Whore and the Virgin’ – The Bridge Inn,Walshford, 12 for 12.30 pm.  Tickets £22.50.

Two of our most celebrated historians, Alison Weir and Sarah Gristwood, join forces to recount the fall of Anne Boleyn, and the profound impact her trial and execution had upon her daughter, Elizabeth I.  Internationally-acclaimed authors Alison and Sarah tell us they are looking forward to a lively discussion as to how much difference there was between Anne and Elizabeth!  Preferably book by personal application.  Choice of menu available when you book.

Sponsored by Dollond & Aitchison Optician.

WETHERBY ACCORDIONS – ‘Squeeze and sing’ – Methodist Hall, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £5.

With guests Wetherby Light Music Singers.  Delightful voices and the exciting sound of a multiplicity of accordions.

Thurs 22 – Sat 25 Oct

WALTON GROUP OF ARTISTS - 6th Annual Exhibition. Walton Village Hall from 10 am.  FREE EVENT, FREE REFRESHMENTS.

A highly regarded, vibrant and varied exhibition of original work, prints and cards.

Thurs 22 Oct

WETHERBY HISTORICAL TRUST/SOCIETY - ‘Down Memory Lane’ – Methodist Hall, 10 am to 2 pm.  FREE EVENT.

A 40 minute-long film and display of old photographs from the Trust archives.  Running continuously.  Refreshments available.

DEEPDALE CREATIVE WRITING GROUP – ‘Telling a Tale or Two’ – St James’ Church Centre, 12 noon.  Ticket £2 to include tea or coffee.

A selection of short stories and poetry.  Something to make you smile, something to make you think.

WETHERBY LIBRARY - ‘Fiction and poetry on my bedside’ – Wetherby Library, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £3.

A talk by James Nash, local author and poet, followed by a discussion of peoples’ literary likes and dislikes.  Limited tickets @ £3, only available from the Library.

WETHERBY DRAMA GROUP - ‘It could be any one of us’ – Linton Village Hall, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £5.

A play by Alan Ayckbourn.  A murder mystery thriller shot through with typical Ayckbourn humour!  Performed by kind permission of Samuel French Ltd.

CLIFFORD DRAMA GROUP - ‘I Thought I Heard a Rustling’ – Clifford Village Hall, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £5.

A play by Alan Plater.  An intriguing but thought-provoking play by one of the North of England’s most prilific authors.  Set in a branch library.  Tel 01937 842768 for tickets.  Concessions available on Thursday.

YORK LIGHT ORCHESTRA - St James’ Church, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £5.

‘Encore’ – a concert of light music to lift your spirits.

IAN MCMILLAN & TONY HUSBAND - Wetherby Social Club, Sandbeck Way, 8 pm.  Tickets£12.50. OL PR MR

‘A Cartoon History of Here’ – A hilarious evening of improvised live-action cartoons and poetry, themed around Wetherby.  With genius cartoonist Tony Husband, and Ian McMillan, ‘the John Peel of poetry.’  Bar available.

Sponsored by PFP Wealth Management.

Fri 23 Oct

DAYTONES BARBERSHOP HARMONY CHOIR - Methodist Church Hall, 7.15 pm.  Tickets £5.

With Collingham Lady Singers and Knaresborough Accordion & Fiddle Society.  ’A Musical Miscellany’ – a concert of light music sung and played in various styles.

WETHERBY TWINNING ASSOCIATION – ‘Call My Wine Bluff’ - St Joseph’s Church Rooms, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £8.

Our annual wine tasting event – come and pit your wits against the experts!

‘THE LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS!’ - Wetherby High School, 7.45pm.  Tickets £6.

Elysian Singers & Wetherby High School Choir & York Institute Silver Band.  Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to wave the flag, sing ‘Rule Britannia’ and enjoy a rousing evening of patriotic fervour!

WETHERBY DRAMA GROUP - ‘It could be any one of us’ – See Thursday 22 for details.

CLIFFORD DRAMA GROUP - ‘I Thought I Heard a Rustling’ – see Thursday 22 for details.

Sat 24 Oct

WETHERBY TITHE TO 2009 TRAIL - Meet at Swimming Pool car park at 1.30 pm.  FREE EVENT.

A guided walk to examine how Wetherby has changed since the tithe map was drawn in 1838.  2 miles in 2 hours, easy terrain, but wear sensible shoes and bring a drink.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

ST. JAMES’ PARISH CHURCH CHOIR - St James’ Parish Church, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £5.

‘An Autumn Miscellany’ – Georgina Wells, harp, Philip Mindenhall, violin, Nicholas Page, organ, & friends from the Selebian Singers join the choir for an evening of classical and light music.  Light refreshments available afterwards.

WETHERBY DRAMA GROUP - ‘It could be any one of us’ - See Thursday 22 for details.

CLIFFORD DRAMA GROUP - ‘I Thought I Heard a Rustling’ - See Thursday 22 for details.

Sun 25 Oct

WETHERBY CIVIC SOCIETY - ‘Know your Wetherby – Historic Town Trail’. Meet at the Bandstand, Wilderness Car Park at 11 am.  FREE EVENT.

A guided walk around the historical centre of Wetherby.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

SIMON HOGGART - Wetherby High School, 3 pm.  Tickets £12.50. OL PR MR

Join journalist and broadcaster Simon Hoggart for an entertaining afternoon; he’s the man who famously said: ‘Peter Mandelson is the only man I know who can skulk in broad daylight!’  Bar opens at 2.15 pm.

WETHERBY SILVER BAND - ‘Autumn Brass’ – Wetherby High School, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £7.50. OL PR MR

‘Autumn Brass’ – forget the credit crunch and let Wetherby’s very own prize-winning band entertain you with their programme of popular and classical music to brighten your evening.  Bar opens at 6.45 pm.

Sponsored by Wetherby Business Association.

Mon 26 Oct

LET’S DO LUNCH : ‘SPARKLES’ acting workshop - St James’ Church Centre or Scout Hall, 12.30 – 1.30 pm.  FREE EVENT.

A fun-packed hour or drama and games for those aged 8 and over with Carla Simpson.

AN EVENING OF STAND UP COMEDY - Wetherby High School, 8 pm.  Tickets £10. OL PR MR

A hilarious evening of stand up comedy featuring award-winning Sarah Millican and 3 other top comedians, compered by Silky.  May contain strong language!  Bar opens at 7 pm.

Tues 27 Oct

LET’S DO LUNCH :  ‘Food Glorious Food’ with FRANK BECKWITH - St James’ Church Centre or Scout Hall, 12.30 – 1.30 pm.  FREE EVENT.

Readings from Charles Dickens by Frank Beckwith.

TREBLE CLEF - St James’ Church Centre, 2 pm.  Tickets £4.

‘An Afternoon of Song and Laughter’ – join Treble Clef for a light-hearted afternoon of song and laughter.  Ticket price includes refreshments.

ROSEMARY HAWTHORN AS THE KNICKER LADY - Wetherby High School, 8 pm.  Tickets£12.50. OL PR MR

A unique, hilarious one-woman show that ‘romps through the chronology of underwear in an unforgettable way that’s just too good to miss!’ Creator Rosemary Hawthorn says ‘it’s a happy show – people like to laugh!’  Bar opens at 7 pm.

Wed 28 Oct

LET’S DO LUNCH : ‘Ladies of Letters’ with MARGARET GRANT & SHEENA JAMES - St James’ Church Centre or Scout Hall, 12.30 – 1.30 pm.  FREE EVENT.

NORTH COUNTRY THEATRE -‘ Home on the Range’ – Methodist Hall, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £8.50. OL PR MR

Chronicling the epic journey of a group of Daleswomen from the lead mining communities of Wensleydale to Wyoming & America’s Wild West. Features live music and dance!  Refreshments available.

Thurs 29 Oct

LET’S DO LUNCH : extracts read by SHEILA BOWER, WIN OSBORN & SIMON BURDETT - St James’ Church Centre or Scout Hall, 12.30 – 1.30 pm.  FREE EVENT.

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA - Wetherby High School, 8 pm.  Tickets £15. OL PR MR

Join the acclaimed Pasadena Roof Orchestra for a brilliant evening of swing and dance music!  Bar opens at 7 pm.

Sponsored by Ware & Kay LLP Solicitors.

Friday 30 Oct

LET’S DO LUNCH : ‘The Pitman’s Lass’ – readings by ANNA PEACOCK - St James’ Church Centre or Scout Hall, 12.30 – 1.30 pm.  FREE EVENT.

BLAZIN’ FIDDLES! - Wetherby High School, 8 pm.  Tickets £15. OL PR MR

Traditional tunes and explosive rhythms from Scottish fiddle sensations Blazin’ Fiddles, who Mike Harding famously described as ‘absolutely mindblowing!’  Bar opens at 7 pm.

BOSTON SPA ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE GROUP - Boston Spa Village Hall, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £3.

Discover the fascinating story of our area, from prehistory to the present.Uncover a changing landscape that attracted neolithic toolmakers, medieval monks and Georgian gentry to our locality.

Sat 31 Oct

KINGS OF QUEEN - Queen tribute band – Wetherby High School, 8 pm.  Tickets £15. OL PR MR

Top Queen tribute band Kings of Queen promise us ‘a terrific show!’  Come and sing your heart out to the legendary band’s chart-topping hits!  Bar opens at 7 pm.

Sponsored by Hart Law Solicitors and Notaries.

Sun 1 Nov

SUBITANGO with TANGO SIEMPRE - Latin dance and music – The Engine Shed, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £15. OL PR MR

Let Subitango and Tango Siempre enthral you with their exquisite displays of tango dance and the powerful Tango Nuevo tango music of Astor Piazzolla. The Independent described their performance as ‘intense, epic and beautiful.’

Mon 2 Nov

WETHERBY FILM CLUB - ‘Showboat’ (1951 version) U certificate – Wetherby Cinema, 7.30 pm.  Tickets £5.

Starring Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner and Howard Keel.Featuring Jerome Kern’s marvellous music and tackling the race issues of the 50’s.

Brand new for Wetherby Festival – WIND DOWN WEEK at THE CRYPT.  Join us at 8 pm each evening for great entertainment, excellent musicianship, in  A unique venue.  Bring your own drinks and nibbles and relax and enjoy!  Tea and coffee will be on sale from 7 pm each night.

Mon 2 Nov  

NICHOLAS WATTS - lieder recital  This internationally acclaimed tenor, who specialises in lieder and English song, presents an inspirational programme.  Tickets £10. OL

Tues 3 Nov

BLACK DOGS BLUES BAND - An evening of authentic Chicago Blues.  Tickets £7.50. OL

Wed 4 Nov

GARY STEWART - Crafted music from this fine songwriter/guitarist.  Tickets £7.50. OL

Thurs 5 Nov

JIGGAWATT - Come and support this young, dynamic, local folk band.  Tickets £7.50. OL

Fri 6 Nov

SLEAZY SPEAKEASY, featuring ‘The Devil’s Jukebox’ – An evening of sleazy, slightly sinful cabaret acts!  Tickets £7.50. OL