ORGANISERS of Penistone’s very first Arts Week have hailed the event a huge success.

Plans are already under way for a similar showcase next year.

And the volunteers who put together the debut programme promise 2019 will be ‘bigger and better’.

“The people of Penistone really came up trumps for us,” said Silkstone parish councillor Chrissie Yates, chairman of the organising group.

“What they offered in terms of support, workshops, crafts etc was amazing. This could be the start of something really big.”

The week-long festival drew to a close on Sunday after a line-up which included concerts, poetry workshops, craft and writing sessions and a guest appearance by writer and TV personality Willy Russell.

It had been the fact that Coun Yates had Mr Russell booked for an event which was no longer taking place which sparked the arts week into life.

“There was no way I was going to let Willy Russell go,” said Coun Yates, “so a few of us got together and decided to create an event at which he could appear.”

Penistone West councillor Dave Griffin - also one of the organisers - said: “It just grew from there. We turned an idea into a week-long festival with more than 30 events.”

Three of the biggest dates were complete sell-outs. And at an evening at the White Hart, author Milly Johnson went round with a kestrel on her shoulder to raise £192 for the Barry Hines memorial statue fund. Willy Russell donated his fee of £1,000 to the fund.

“Barry was the man who put Barnsley on the map with Kes and it is fitting that we should honour him,” said Coun Yates.

Coun Griffin said: “Overall, the level of support from community groups and businesses has been fantastic and we look forward to working with those people and more in 2019.

“There is definitely going to be a second arts week next year. Dates have already been reserved.

“We want to build on this success and learn from any mistakes. We are incredibly pleased with the way it all turned out - which was better than we dared hope.“

Coun Yates said it was hoped that for 2019, Penistone Town Council would support the event with professional marketing.