The People and Culture of Swaledale

A specially commissioned film screened at 'A Concert Party with Marske Choir' at the 2026 Swaledale Festival! Swaledale has a rich tradition of home-grown music-making and entertainment, rooted in the culture and industries of its time. This film features interviews with Dales folk reflecting on the local music scene and exploring the idea of the “concert party” — groups of people who came together to stage variety shows showcasing their own talents. With music, humour, Swardle dialect, and a few surprises along the way, it offers a vivid sense of how people in the Dale used to come together, share their creativity, and entertain one another. Produced and directed by Nick and Lindsay Ibbotson