The idea
The Graveship of Holme parade is a community co-created arts project that aims to bring people together across 7 micro-communities in the Holme Valley to create a spectacular visual and musical parade at the annual Holmfirth Arts Festival. The Graveship of Holme is an ancient constabulary, still in place today, the current Constable being Jimmy Dickinson of Longley Farm, It covers the townships of Austonley, Cartworth, Fulstone, Hepworth, Holme, Upperthong and Wooldale. This unique local project provides an opportunity for 250 people of all ages, abilities, cultures and backgrounds to share their stories over a period of 6 weeks, turning them into large scale visual art works, dances and street music which will be and showcased as a celebratory parade to audiences of approximately 2000 people at the Holmfirth Arts Festival Festival in June 2026.
What we'll deliver
- 15 story sharing and parade making sessions with up to 250 people from diverse backgrounds in schools/community groups
- A parade day involving approximately 250 local people and reaching approximately 2000 audience
- Egagement of a traffic management company to safely close the road for the parade
Why it's a great idea
The parade
- Promotes inclusion by bringing together individuals of diverse ages, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Enhances local pride and community spirit through sharing and showcasing unique heritage and stories.
- Encourages creative expression and cultural celebration throughout the seven micro-communities and the wider Holme Valley.
- Provides educational opportunities about the historical significance of the Graveship of Holme.
- Develops participants' artistic skills in visual arts, dance, and musical performances.
- Strengthens community relationships by creating shared experiences and collaborative outcomes.
- Celebrates the town of Holmfirth and the Holme Valley area with a vibrant spectacle for approximately 2000 attendees.
- Boosts the local economy during the Holmfirth Arts Festival by attracting tourism and associated revenue.
Steps to get it done
- Crowd funding November 25 to January 2026
- Community engagement January - March 2026
- Road closure application in place Feb 2026
- Community co-creation May - June 2026
- Parade day Saturday 13 June
