Festival Information
About Us
Weaving together the three fundamental elements that make the Dales Festival of Food and Drink a success – Food, Farming and Fun - this event already has a real buzz about it.
Not least because the Farming for Food events include talks and demonstrations on beekeeping by the Richmond and District Beekeepers Association. Visitors will find something for everyone from the best locally sources organic meats to award-winning beers within the festival's own Drinks Marquee and 'Beer Festival'.
To entertain the DFFD brings together live cookery demonstrations from the region's top chefs, a 'Speakers Corner' featuring established authors and speakers, plus a range of rides and entertainments for children and young people.
But the festival is not just about a great show – it is organised by the Leyburn and Mid-Wensleydale Partnership Ltd, a registered charity and any financial surplus from the event goes to community causes. Since its inception in 2002, the Dales Festival of Food and Drink has generated surplus funds of over £140,000.
These funds have been distributed to local community organisations which have ranged geographically from Hunton to East Witton and from Constable Burton to Bainbridge, and range from Christmas lights and small Rotary Club initiatives, to village hall expenditure in Newton-le-Willows, Wensley and Thornton Rust, for example. We are proud to have contributed to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and it is fair to say that the Leyburn Band has benefited hugely from Community Fund Grants.
The event supports small, local businesses, and has often acted as a springboard to success. At the 2004 Festival, for example, one trader was running home at the end of each day to make more stock. They are now well established and selling to Fortnum and Mason!
None of this happens without the invaluable assistance of the volunteers, both during the Festival and in its preparation and aftermath. So if you fancy being a part of this great annual Dales event, please contact our Festival Administrator at admin@dalesfestivaloffood.org
Getting There
The site is well signed and is located on the outskirts of the town on the A684, approaching Leyburn from the east. The postcode for the Festival Site is DL8 5SG.
Alternatively, why not travel to Leyburn the scenic way on the Wensleydale Railway, which runs from Leeming Bar and Bedale to Leyburn from the East, and from Redmire to Leyburn from the West. Full information can be obtained by visiting www.wensleydalerailway.com
For accommodation details and route map to Leyburn, please visit the website of the Leyburn and mid-Wensleydale Business Association at www.wensleydale.net. Alternatively, why not spend the weekend at a farm. Visit www.farmstayuk.co.uk for details.
On Sunday and Monday the Dalesbus summer network will be in operation, linking Leyburn with Wakefield, Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate, Pateley Bridge and Ripon. See the Dalesbus website www.dalesbus.org
Parking
A free parking facility is provided at the Festival site.
Enjoy the variety of independent shops and eating establishments that Leyburn has to offer, which is only a short walk away from the Festival site.
Controlled disabled parking is available at the Festival site.
Coach parking is provided adjacent to the main site.
Dog Owners
Dogs on a lead are welcome on the Festival site but are not permitted in any of the Marquees (except guide dogs)
Community Grant Criteria
Background
1. The Leyburn & Mid-Wensleydale Partnership Limited is a registered charity. It is responsible for running the Dales Festival of Food and Drink which is an annual event, but using its surplus funds has also established a Community Fund to benefit the local community. Since 2003, a sum of approximately £140,000 has been awarded in grants.
Aim of the Community Fund
2. To provide a responsive source of grant aid to assist voluntary and community organisations to set up new facilities/services, or improve existing ones for the benefit and use of the community.
Eligibility
3. Voluntary and community organisations, schools, town and parish councils or parish meetings can apply for grants provided:
a. The project benefits the community in the North Yorkshire County Council wards of Mid-Wensleydale and Upper Wensleydale.
b. The application is submitted before work starts on the project. Retrospective applications will only be considered in special circumstances.
c. Projects specifically promoting political, racial or religious objectives will not be funded, but projects benefiting the whole community put forward by religious organisations are not excluded.
d. In certain circumstances, consideration will be given to the funding of running costs.
Monies Available
4. Grants are normally available for up to one third of the total project cost, to a maximum of £3,000. When assessing applications, it is expected that the organisation concerned will have raised a significant proportion (up to 20%) of the total cost, whether in cash or kind (pro bono work can be funded at £8 per hour). Note will be taken of the community involvement and commitment.
Bursaries
5. In certain circumstances, consideration will be given to awarding small bursaries. These can be channelled through voluntary organisations, but the Leyburn & Mid-Wensleydale Partnership Limited would expect the source of the grant being made known to the recipient.
Publicity
6. It is expected that recipients will give publicity to the Community Fund where possible.
Drawing Down of Grants
7. The project should normally be at a stage where the grant money can be drawn down by the applicant within 12 months from the date of award. If this is not the case, the money may be re-allocated.
Grant Meetings
8. The date for receiving 2011 applications has now passed. A list of those organisations and community groups that have been successful will appear on our website soon.
