Kirkbymoorside in North Yorkshire will host its first-ever music festival next weekend, featuring a variety of music genres and showcasing the town's charm and talent.
Kirkbymoorside Gateways to the Moors Music Festival 2025
A three-day music festival is set to take place in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, marking the town's first-ever music event. Organized by Jean Illingworth, the festival aims to showcase the town's talent and charm through a diverse range of musical performances.
Christmas Day Inspiration
The idea for the music festival originated on Christmas Day of the previous year when volunteers in Kirkbymoorside hosted a Christmas meal for those who would have been alone. The positive response to the event sparked the idea of organizing a music festival to provide more entertainment options in the town.
Organizer Jean Illingworth shared that the initial suggestion for the festival came from a local resident who attended the Christmas meal and expressed a desire for more community events. After a passing comment about her interest in hosting a music festival, the idea gained momentum and evolved into the Kirkbymoorside Gateways to the Moors Music Festival.
A Community Initiative
The festival planning involved forming a charity, creating a website, securing grant funding, booking performers, venues, and designing a comprehensive program. The event aims to offer a diverse music experience with a mix of free, donation-based, and ticketed events across various venues in Kirkbymoorside.
According to Jean Illingworth, the festival intends to celebrate the rich musical heritage of the area while also attracting visitors to support local businesses. By highlighting the town's historical significance and cultural offerings, the festival aims to position Kirkbymoorside as a vibrant destination for music enthusiasts.
Published on 28 July 2025 by Ben Robinson
