Ryedale Festival announces its inaugural “Winter Weekend.”

This article only features vocal concerts. 

Baritone Roderick Williams and pianist Christopher Glynn present a St Cecilia’s day recital, featuring works by Vaughan Williams, Quilter, Britten, Elizabeth Maconchy, and Errollyn Wallen.

Performance Date: November 22, 2025

The weekend closes with the world premiere of “The Longest Night,” a new community song cycle co-created by local participants with composer John Barber and writer Hazel Gould. The work is inspired by Katherine May’s “Wintering,” but also drawing on local folk legends, it will tell stories of resilience, rest and renewal, asking how what we can learn when life slows down and how we should embrace the cold seasons of change. Roderick Williams and singers from the  Ryedale School perform.

Performance Date: November 23, 2025

The “Winter Weekend” follows a landmark summer Festival of 58 events in 35 locations across North Yorkshire. By bringing the program to new areas including Skipton, Northallerton, Ripon and Selby, the Festival expanded its reach and grew audiences significantly, selling nearly 12,000 tickets.

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