Spellbinding performance planned for Batley Festival

‘Spellbound’, run by outdoor performance specialists Walk the Plank and North Kirklees arts group Creative Scene, tells a tale of love, jealousy, and betrayal, inspired by the Ramayana, an ancient story from India.

The show, which will take place in Market Square, combines shadow theatre with live narration, a lantern procession and special effects.

Rebecca Legg, a producer at Creative Scene, said: “We are delighted to support Batley Festival in bringing Walk the Plank to Batley for this special evening performance.

“I’m especially excited to see this beautiful part of town lit up in the evening with a bespoke lighting design to highlight the many historic buildings and backdrops in Batley.

“It will be an evening not to be missed.”

Craft workshops, including shadow puppetry, watercolour painting, and owl collages will run in Batley Library throughout Saturday’s festival, as well as musical performances from Manasamitra.

Local dance acts, singers and musicians will also perform in the town hall.

More than 60 stalls will line Market Square selling baked goods, clothes, and crafts.

And people can try their hand at circus skills, painting and other activities in Memorial Gardens.

The festival runs from 11am until 5pm, with evening events from 6pm until 10pm in Market Square.

Visit batleyfestival.co.uk for the full line up.