THIRTY years ago, back in the dim and distant past of 1977, a group of like-minded people got together and decided that it was time the market town of Leek did something to show off the wealth and range of its artistic talent.

Thus was born Leek Arts Festival, which began as a single week of events featuring mainly local artists with just a smattering of outsiders invited to take part.

Within a few short years the ad hoc committee of organisers realised that one week was not enough and that to do real justice to Leek’s cultural heritage required a much more intense approach to the idea of an arts festival.

So, one week became two and, eventually, two weeks became a whole month.

There can be few market towns the size of Leek that can boast such an achievement – 30 years of high quality arts festivals featuring national and international artists alongside home-grown talent.

Phil Edmeades - Festival Chairman