If you haven't already got it marked in your diary:

The 1st Clapham festival of magic, myths and legends will be held on 8th and 9th May 2004. This exciting new event is being held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the rich, diverse and unique Dales cultural heritage. The Dales has a great tradition of story telling that stretches back to Viking times and beyond. Many of our local place names relate to folklore such as Trow Gill, roughly translated from Norse and old English as 'troll's ravine' and Boggart's Roaring Holes refers to the Boggart, a shape-shifting mythical creature.

The LUMINARIUM !!!

An extraordinary expanse of air-filled architecture, will sprout spectacularly from the side of Ingleborough.

Powered by small electric fans, this complex structure measuring 40 metres by 15 metres – will transport visitors into a magical world of captivating colours and soothing sounds. Once inside the fantastic form, people will be free to explore a labyrinth of tunnels, mazes and spacious domes, interact with their surroundings or simply sprawl out and relax.

At the end of the festival the unusual erection will be slowly deflated, leaving no trace of its existence.

The Dales are full of lost villages, faery dwellings, haunted woodlands, giants' hills, witches' caves and the green man.

Perhaps this wealth of folklore was inspired by the stunning landscape in which the tales are set? They are all an inherent part of local heritage and life. In fact, Clapham even has its very own story of the Witch of Clapdale, Alice Kettyl! (drawing by Barbara Yates)

Visitors and residents are encouraged to get into the spirit of the event and to arrive in mystical fancy dress. They will be lots more opportunity for visitors and community members alike to take part from a black cat trail around the village to lantern making workshops.

A programme crammed full of entertainment is planned with street entertainers, performances by local dance and drama groups, story telling, re-enactments and more to come. A full listing of events will be released nearer the date.

The festival will climax in a fantastic torch and lantern lit procession involving local groups and visitors alike.

The event will also launch a brand new network of themed heritage trails starting in Ingleton and Settle as well as Clapham itself. Festival-goers will be able to follow the Myths and Legends themed trail. A fantastic booklet containing these trails will be available in 2004.

Proceeds raised by the festival will go to local community projects, charities and services. It is hoped that the festival will become an annual event and a highlight in the Dales calendar.