Fangfest 2014

One village is gearing up for its annual arts celebration – and you’re encouraged to get stuck right in…

As festival names go, you’d have to agree Fangfest is every bit as memorable as the weekend itself. It’s certainly got teeth – but more about chainsaws later…
Tucked away at the foot of the Wolds is the tiny community of Fangfoss. But you’d be wrong to assume this is your average sleepy village. Tell anyone in Fangfoss that we don’t make things any more and you’ll get short shrift. That’s because it’s home to some remarkably talented craftspeople, not least the makers of Bigger Bertie, who will be familiar to many as the world’s biggest rocking horse.
Jane Cook is from The Rocking Horse Shop – where Bertie was lovingly crafted – which hosted the first Fangfest open day 16 years ago.
“It was very successful and brought many people into the village,” says Jane. “We were then approached by Gerry and Lynn from Fangfoss Pottery and Harry Postill, a local furniture maker, who asked if they could join in. Fangfest, a festival of the practical arts, was born, and became a two-day event.
“The aim has always been to promote local craft businesses. We try very hard to ensure everything for sale has been made by the person selling it, or at least made locally. Even the ice-cream is made in Yorkshire. Fangfest has also always been a great opportunity for local charities to promote what they do, including the church, school, village and cricket club.”
‘Have a go’ is the mantra at Fangfest, but that’s not surprising when you consider the range of popular attractions – rocking horse and chainsaw carving (told you so), teapot making, willow weaving, stone carving and chair-making using a traditional pole lathe, to name but a few. Children also love the event, thanks to the KidsFest arts & crafts competition.
“We try to encourage makers to demonstrate as many of their methods as possible, and 2014 will see more demonstrators than ever before,” says Jane, who sits on a seven-strong organising committee, all representing different creative elements.
“The hands-on emphasis really does make our festival a little bit different to all the others,” she adds. “But I also think it is the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Every year we have visitors from all over the country, some of whom come in their classic cars, and we have also had people from across Europe and the USA. The fact Fangfest offers such varied events and activities, including archery and clay pigeon shooting, brings together lots of people with different interests.”
Not surprisingly, those who visit Fangfest will go away remembering what a special place Fangfoss is, thanks in no small part to the community spirit which it embodies and demonstrates over the festival weekend.
Jane adds: “Everyone loves being part of it. Many villagers give up their time over the weekend to help at the church, school, or with parking. It’s like one huge family. If we pick up the phone and ask for help, we know we’ll get it. The parish council pays for our advertising leaflets, as they really understand what Fangfest does for the village. We get over 2,000 visitors and I believe they all go away with a good feeling about the village of Fangfoss.”

• Fangfest 2014 takes place over the weekend of September 6-7, from 9am to 4pm

• Find out more about the festival’s attractions at www.fangfest.org.uk

• Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Fangfest for updates and archive photos.