MP praises organisers ‘cracking job’ as Knaresborough's Feva festival is in the spotlight in Parliament

Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP has spoken up in Parliament for Feva festival as this year’s arts extravaganza reaches its final hours.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, celebrated the 30th anniversary of Feva (Knaresborough's Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts) with a motion in the Houses of Parliament as it reached the final moments of this year’s programme.

Running until Sunday, August 23, the MP presented the festival's organisers with a copy of the Early Day Motion.

Tabled by Tom Gordon MP, the Early Day Motion marks the festival's 30th year on the official record in Westminster.

Paying tribute to Feva's 30th anniversary - Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough with Gwen Lloyd, Chairperson of Feva festival in Knaresborough. (Picture contributed)

The motion pays tribute to the volunteers who have run the event and commends its role in supporting local artists, attracting visitors and putting Knaresborough on the map as a cultural destination.

Tom said: "Feva has gone from strength to strength, and 30 years on it's a mainstay for locals and visitors alike, showcasing the rich array of culture Knaresborough has to offer.

"It's about time we got some national recognition, and I'm proud to fly the flag for our little slices of Yorkshire culture both here and in Parliament."

He continued: "I take my hat off to Gwen and the team - they've done a cracking job, and I can't wait to get stuck into this year's programme."

First held in 1996, Feva is a constituted, not-for-profit community set-up.

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

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.

This year’s arts feast was launched in Friday, August 14 and has included free street entertainment, concerts, exhibitions, family activities, and lots more.

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.