White thatched single storey house at the Ryedale Folk Museum
Graphic of flame (beacon) depicting the new festival this April
Two red bags of Yorkshire Organic Millers Plain Flour

Forget just daffodils; April in the North York Moors brings a full-blown artistic awakening thanks to the Beacons for the Arts Festival. This newly-formed collective of creative organisations is a beacon, linking arts, nature, and community wellbeing. This month-long celebration transforms the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of creativity.

Dive headfirst into a world of artistic wonder.

We’ve picked our top 3 highlights, but please explore the fabulous festival program for even more.

  1. Farm/Mill/Bake” Exhibition at Ryedale Folk Museum

Experience real Yorkshire heritage at the “Farm/Mill/Bake” photographic exhibition at Ryedale Folk Museum. A revolution is brewing across Yorkshire. Farmers, millers, and bakers are ditching mass-produced goods and bringing real bread back to our tables, prioritizing health and the planet.

Documentary photographer Tessa Bunney captures their stories in a stunning new exhibition. Tessa’s photos aren’t just pictures; they’re a window into a world where bread is an art, a craft, and a shared joy.

Plus, it features Yorkshire Organic Millers (just 2 miles from us, and our flour supplier) And the inimitable Phil of Haxby Bakehouse who makes the very best sourdough loaves.

Trust us, this exhibition is a slice of Yorkshire you won’t want to miss.

  1. The Old Friends Sculpture Trail

Artist Emma Smith’s “Wild Eye” commission offers a unique experience along the Scarborough to Whitby Cinder Trail.

Six outdoor artworks function as dwell spaces, creating a shared environment for people and wildlife. Through multi-sensory elements, the project draws attention to our connection with the natural world.

Visitors can pause and appreciate the surrounding landscape, finding tranquillity in these thoughtfully designed spaces.

Brick building with glass windown and pitch rood. SIgn daying Helmsley Arts Centre
Man with grey hair and glasses holding a saxaophone. Background of a green valley.
Picture of 3 figures depiciting 3 little Vikings

3. Helmsley Arts Centre

Helmsley Arts Centre consistently punches above its weight, and they have a great programe of events and activities throughout April.

Enjoy music from the Remi Harris Hot Club Trio and the inimitable Snake Davis (whom we used to see perform when we were students in Leeds, many years ago)

In the mix is also family theatre by Three Little Vikings, an exhibition by Sarah Cawthray, and a screening of Andre Rieu’s 75th birthday celebration

Honestly, the area is bursting with artistic creativity, and we could have chosen many more events.

Beacons for the Arts isn’t just a festival; it’s an immersive experience. Connect with the soul of the North York Moors. Ignite your artistic spirit, discover hidden talents, and create lasting memories.

So, experience the moors’ artistic heart, not just their beautiful scenery.