A celebration of our artistic landscape
We're delighted to be bringing you the first ever Festival on behalf of the Arts and Culture partnership.
Join us throughout April to get a flavour of the creative talent in the North York Moors and beyond. Visit photographic exhibitions, delight in colourful kites, discover open studios, watch concerts and sharpen your skills in various workshops.
Festival programme 2025
Throughout April- Farm/ Mill/ Bake
In this new photographic exhibition at Ryedale Folk Museum, Tessa Bunney tells the stories and passions of Yorkshire farmers, millers and bakers working together to make bread better. Open 10am to 5pm. No booking required.
Throughout April- Arts at Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest has hosted artists for many years, providing a place to create unique pieces. Discover the arts dotted throughout the forest, to tell each story in a purposefully selected location, bringing the forest and the art to life.
The River Project exhibition brings together the creative outcomes from past workshops: poetry consolidated from the creative writing and field notes of participants, ecoprinting using the flora surrounding the river, photography by Rachel Rimell and soundscapes created by Cecilia Tyrell.
Discover the Malton Sculpture Trail's captivating sculptures as you immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity.
Throughout April: Old Friends sculpture trail
Emma Smith’s Wild Eye commission is a series of six outdoor artworks installed along Scarborough's Cinder Track as dwell spaces for people and wildlife. Through multi-sensory experiences that reveal our interconnectivity, the artworks invite people to slow down, pause and rest in the stunning natural environment.
Throughout April- Art of Being
An inspiring and thought-provoking exhibition hosted by the Inspired by... gallery. It explores the profound connection between art, creativity and mental health. Celebrating how art can serve as a powerful tool for self-expression, healing and personal growth.
Throughout April- Art trails at the National Park Centres
'Words in the Landscape' at Sutton Bank National Park Centre by Adrian Riley and Charlotte Oliver. Follow the poem Flight path as it takes you on a journey through differing terrain and seasons. Enjoy three art installations that use form and text to explore the location from the perspective of birds including the famous viewpoint.
'Moments' at Danby Lodge National Park Centre invites you to slow down and be present in that moment in the landscape. Ceramic designs created by artist Aphra O'Connor, reflect her own journey throughout the site.
Throughout April- North Yorkshire Open Studios: Jennifer Calder
Jenni will be opening her house and studio to allow you to chat, view and purchase her work. Please email Jenni to arrange a date and time.
Throughout April- Saltburn Photographic Society Exhibition
Land of Iron is delighted to host the annual exhibition by Saltburn Photographic Society, one of the leading photographic organisations in the north-east. This exhibition features features an array of stunning images from its members across many genres including landscapes, nature, and portraits. It's free to attend with regular museum admission.
Throughout April- Modern painting workshops with Adam Berry
A two day taught course. All materials, studio facilities and tuition included. Head to Sea-view Cottage Painting Holiday's website for more information.
Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 April- BOOKMARKED 2025
A new mini-festival in Thirsk celebrating our love of books and the joy of reading. Four days of events and activities across various venues including theatre, workshops, talks and children's activities. Visit BOOKMARKED website for event and booking details.
Wednesday 2 to Sunday 27 April- Events at Helmsley Arts Centre
Check out Helmsley Art Centre's events this month with music gigs from the likes of Snake Davis, family theatre by Three Little Vikings, an exhibition by Sarah Cawthray, watercolour workshops, a screening of Andre Rieu's 75th birthday celebration and much more.
Friday 4 April- Stargazing with North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Enjoy an evening of stellar exploration with the Whitby and District Astronomical Society. Hosted at The Outstation (Stape), it's the perfect spot to gaze at neighbouring planets and thousands of stars. See the Railway's website for more information and booking.
Saturday 5 April- North Yorkshire Open Studios: Garth Bayley
Visit Garth's studio to see paintings and drawing on themes from landscape to dance and sports. No booking required.
Saturday 5, Friday 11 and Friday 25 April- Birds of Heart and Sky
Composer/songwriter Sarah Dew has created a collection of emotive audio works, songs, poetry, compositions and field recordings celebrating a selection of birds currently on the Red List of most vulnerable birds in the UK. Find out more about the Birds of Heart and Sky audio installation.
Saturday 5 to Saturday 19 April- Yorkshire Art Collective
A group of artists that came together to build a connection, support and sharing of creative ideas and experience. Representing a broad range of disciplines, members are professional artists at varying stages of career, from emerging to more established. See Zillah Bell's website for more information.
Tuesday 8 April onwards- IMPRESSED printmakers circle
Head to Pannett Art Gallery to see their exhibition celebrating printmaking and displaying the creative output of the Printmakers Circle.
Wednesday 9 April- Pyrography creative wellbeing workshop
Run by local duo 'Sideburner', unleash your creativity through the art of wood burning. It's a hands-on session where you'll learn the techniques of pyrography while enjoying a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Book the 10am session or book the 1pm session.
Thursday 10 April- Easter greetings family workshop
Join artist Jo Witney to make a beautiful Easter card or decoration inspired by George Soper’s decorated cards and envelopes in Pannett Art Gallery’s Soper collection. It's a free, drop-in workshop, from 11am to 3pm.
Thursday 10 April onwards- Lockton Artists showcase
A showcase of art by Lockton Artists being held at Lockton Tea Rooms & Gallery. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April- 'Happy Space' creative family workshops
Join artists from Stellar Creates at Sutton Bank National Park Centre to get creative and make a happiness-inspired pieces of art. Drop in any time from 11am to 3pm, sessions are free.
Sunday 13 April- Costume designs for productions worldwide
All made in the North York Moors, Sue Willmington invites you to see and discuss her costume work, designed for opera and theatre over the years. From 11am to 3pm, please email Sue to arrange a visit.
Monday 14 April- Expressing grief through rituals
Join this online talk to explore how ritual can serve as a powerful tool for processing grief. We’ll delve into the role of ritual in our lives, examine death rituals from various cultures around the world, and reflect on some of our own personal rituals around loss. See more information and book your place.
Wednesday 16 to Saturday 19 April- Waterfall of kites workshops
Create your own kite using natural materials. Inspired by the kite festivals of South Asia, join us to create and fly your own kite made of bamboo and willow. You will also get chance to see the ‘Waterfall of Kites’ installation by artist Sue Walpole in the gallery. It's free but you need to book either adults only or family sessions.
Thursday 17 April- Badger badges
Make a special badger badge – inspired by the amazing paintings and drawings of badgers by Eileen Soper in Pannett Art Gallery’s Soper collection. It's a free, drop-in workshop, from 10am to 1pm.
Friday 18 April- At the Back of the North Wind
Head to Flowergate Hall in Whitby for an evening celebrating the rich folklore, myths, and legends of the North York Moors. Hosted by Bob Fischer, bringing together music, film, and storytelling to honour the landscape and its deep-rooted cultural heritage. Book your free place via Flash Company Arts Eventbrite.
Friday 18 to Monday 21 April- Easter Dino fun 'Meet the baby dinosaurs'
Climb aboard for a roarsome adventure this Easter as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway transports you back to the age of dinosaurs. Follow the dinosaur footprints and come face to face with adorable baby dinosaurs. A magical experience for young dino fans. There’s other family fun activities throughout the holidays. Find out more about Easter at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Saturday 19 April- Botanical printmaking
Artist Dawn Brooks would like to introduce you to the art of botanical printmaking. Experience the process of capturing detailed imprints from various natural objects. It's a free event but booking is essential.
Saturday 19 April- Art and craft Easter experience by Hutton Buscel Artists
Activities for all the family including Easter egg painting and an egg hunt with prizes. Workshops include card making, pastel painting and ceramics. Watch the weaving and needle felting demonstrations. 10am to 4pm. Free to all, no booking required. See the Hutton Buscel Artist's website for details.
Saturday 19, Thursday 24 and Sunday 27 April- Jewellery making workshop
Join Louise Dwyer in her studio in Nunnington to make your own silver rings, sea glass jewellery ring or pendant, or silver personalised pendant with text or found objects. Find out more information on Louise's website.
Tuesday 22 April- Intro to Cyanotype printing
Allow Sarah from TOM-O to introduce you to one of the earliest photographic printing methods. We’ll start by foraging for natural materials then head to the workshop to create prints using this unique technique. Book your free place via Eventbrite, there's a morning or afternoon session.
Tuesday 22 to Sunday 27 April- Blossom week at Nunnington Hall
Experience Nunnington Hall's blossom orchards at their best. Explore a trail of poems in the gardens, hunt down the blossoms hidden throughout the house and craft your own origami flower to take home. Plan your visit to Nunnington Hall.
Wednesday 23 April- St George's day family crafts
The Land of Iron team lead a morning of family-oriented crafts. In this free, drop-in session, you can make dragons, castle greetings cards and helmets to take home. Get all the details on the Museum's website.
Thursday 24 April- Performing arts day
Head to the Inspired by... gallery for interactive story-telling, performances from local singers and songwriter, John Drakes and a community play bringing to life North York Moors folklore. All the sessions are free and can be booked together or separately.
Friday 25 and Saturday 26 April- Alcohol ink workshop
Join Lucinda at new venue, Skatebeck, to unwind and express yourself in this creative wellbeing workshop. You'll get the chance to wander in the woods and connect to nature for an even greater wellbeing boost. Book Friday or book Saturday's session.
Saturday 26 April- Walk and Wonder: Collage your connection to place
Join Emma from DaisyAgeArt for an 'Art for wellbeing' workshop inviting you to explore your connection to the landscape in a creative and reflective way.
Saturday 26 April- Costumes for Phantom of the Opera
Join Sue Willmington in her home in Littlebeck for an illustrated talk about her experience working on the original Phantom of the Opera, a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. From 2pm to 4pm, it will include question time and tea/ coffee. Please email Sue to book your place.
Saturday 26 April- Chamber Music on the Moors
Musicians from the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival present one hour of stunning chamber music at St.Mary's Church, Lastingham. Book your tickets on the Festival website.
Saturday 26 April- Floriography: The secret language of flowers
Join Nettle Cottage Prints for an engaging interactive talk exploring floriography—the art of using flowers and plants to convey messages. Whether you're curious about history, love art, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, discover how plants can represent your experience and connect you to nature and yourself. It's free but you need to book your place.
Sunday 27 April- Birds and Words workshop
Accompanying the ‘Words in the Landscape’ trail at Sutton Bank. Create a poem in the form of a hanging mobile inspired by the birdlife of Sutton Bank. The mobiles will visually echo the form of the trail itself and be the result of a creative process similar to that used by the artist and poet. See more information about booking and family drop-in session.