A SPECTACULAR showcase of all things creative takes place in Barnsley next weekend.

The 2024 Dearne Community Arts’ Festival will take place at Astrea Academy Dearne in Goldthorpe from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 28 September.

This free annual festival championing creativity and celebrating community will feature exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and performances as it showcases local talent and gives opportunities for residents to access high quality entertainment and creativity on their doorstep.

Funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, Dearne South Ward Alliance, Better Barnsley Bonds and Barnsley Museums, the festival gives families a chance to have a go at different aspects of creativity in the many and varied workshops provided.

From learning how to juggle or spin plates to how to create characters in a story, from hot wax painting with an iron to painting and engraving glass, there’s so much for people of all ages to do.

“We really encourage you to have a go at something you’ve never done before,” says festival secretary, Julie Turner. 

“Join AmazeLab to explore the science of chromatography as you make butterflies to take home or learn from street artist Eye Violet about spray painting. There really is something for everyone.”

In addition to the workshops and demonstrations, local artists will be exhibiting and selling goods, ranging from paintings to knitted and crocheted items to gifts for the house. 

You can also watch local children on stage performing from dance schools and listen to community groups like the Snap Tin Strummers on their ukuleles.

The festival is completely free to attend (charges for face painting and a professional photoshoot on offer apply) and refreshments are available. 

This year’s event has already made its mark on Goldthorpe, with shop shutters on Doncaster Road having been turned into works of art by artist Jayde Bell AKA Eye Violet, so remember to check out this open-air exhibition when the shops are closed.