Huge success at the Dearne Community Arts Festival with hundreds in attendance

Goldthorpe was alive with colour and energy as hundreds of residents gathered at Astrea Academy Dearne for the Dearne Community Arts Festival. 

The free event on Saturday, September 27, supported by Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live programme, offered a lively selection of arts, crafts, performances, and interactive workshops designed for families and individuals of all ages. This year, Love Where You Live funding was allocated to the Dearne Community Arts Festival to provide support in screening Sam Batley’s new film, ‘The Town I Love So Well,’ which included a Q&A with the artist. The film, which is part of a larger commission with Sam Batley as part of the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) programme ‘Storying Barnsley’ and premiered earlier this year at Parkway Cinema. 

The Dearne Community Arts Festival, which has been running since 2017, saw residents immerse themselves in a variety of creative experiences, from exploring art exhibits and browsing unique handmade gifts to joining lively workshops and enjoying performances by local groups like the BYC Children’s Choir East, the Clayton School of Dance, and Greentop Circus. 

The giant deck chair, donated by the CDF Storying Barnsley programme after being featured at many local events, was given a brand new DCAF themed sling, ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed at the festival and other local events for many years to come. 

The event was a true celebration of local arts, crafts, and talent, bringing people together to connect and showcase what makes the community special. 

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “The Dearne Community Arts Festival is a true reflection of the creativity and unity within our community. It’s inspiring to see residents, volunteers and artists come together and experience arts and crafts. When we support one another and get involved, we strengthen our communities and that’s exactly what our Love Where You Live initiative is all about.” 

The Dearne Community Arts Festival team organises creative events all year round. They are now preparing for three lantern-making workshops in October and November – all working towards a “Glowthorpe” lantern parade at the end of November. Additionally, funding leftover from this year’s event will go toward Glowthorpe in November 2025 and next year’s edition of the festival. 

For details of these workshops and to find new opportunities, visit see what's on at barnsley.gov.uk/LoveWhereYouLive.  

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