Here it comes: Return of Knaresborough Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts with exciting line-up of events

Knaresborough is preparing to come alive this weekend with creativity, entertainment and community spirit as feva returns, bringing together hundreds of performers, artists, volunteers and visitors for a keenly anticipated annual event.

Now firmly established as one of North Yorkshire’s most vibrant community festivals, Feva will run from from Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 23 at venues and outdoor locations across Knaresborough.

Founded originally by Derrick van Zelst and his son Robin, the festival adopted its current FEVA acronym following a name change in 2001 and traditionally begins on the second Friday of August each year.

Organised entirely by volunteers, the not-for-profit festival showcases the extraordinary talent and community spirit that make Knaresborough such a special place.

As always, Feva will deliver an eclectic programme featuring live music, theatre, visual arts, family entertainment, exhibitions, workshops, spoken word, outdoor performances and much more.

Now entering its 26th edition, the much-loved Feva festival does, occasionally, surprise everyone with a star name or celebrity appearance.

Notable prominent figures who have appeared at Feva in the past include former Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, saxophonist Snake Davis and the late folk music legend Vin Garbutt.

But that isn’t what Feva is about, really.

Audiences can expect free street entertainment, concerts, exhibitions, family activities, the ever-popular Picnic in the Park, open-air performances and a host of events taking place across venues throughout the town.

And all at a time of the year when many people may actually be on holiday.

But, as a former chairman of the feva organising committee, Tony Cerexhe, once said: "Other festivals avoid this time of the year as people go away, but that has turned out to be Knaresborough feva’s ‘unique selling proposition.

"Folk have come to know that there is so much on in Knaresborough during the festival’s 10 days in August and they now travel to the town from far and wide."

Whether visitors are looking for live music, hands-on creative workshops, theatre, comedy or opportunities to discover local artists, there is something for every age and interest.

Many events are free to attend, while ticketed performances and workshops can be booked in advance through the festival website.

This year's festival has been supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund and is part of Eventure's year long programme of free events in Knaresborough.

Feva traditionally wraps up its final weekend with two of its most popular events - Knaresborough Lions' Beer Festival and Picnic in the Park which will take place this year, respectively, on August 21-23 and August 22.