I have to admit to this being my first puppet festival, but after finding out about it from friends who were heavily involved in the event this year, I just had to go along to see what it was all about.
The picturesque Yorkshire town of Skipton, on the edge of the Dales, plays host to a small and welcoming festival each year I discovered, with Puppeteers and related performers from all over Europe and beyond putting on shows over three days. I was only able to catch the festival on the final day, but was fortunate to catch the parade through the town. There was more than a passing resemblance to the Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade, which happens locally every year. Not surprising given the involvement of members of the Handmade Parade, and it certainly got the attention of visitors and residents alike, a great success. Hopefully this can become a regular feature of the Puppet Festival, now in it’s fourth year.
Highlight of the festival parade for me had to be the giant sheep, which were made in Skipton as part of a 12 day residency workshop prior to the finale. The quartet of sheep even included their own sheepdog, and shepherd.
My full gallery of photos can be found here (slideshow)
Skipton Puppet Festival
Handmade Parade
