PENISTONE ARTS WEEK – This March & Every March

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls”

Pablo Picasso

Every March, the arts come to Penistone and paint the town with music, drama, art, literature, comedy and entertainment and so much more.

This celebration of the arts brings people together to appreciate art in its many forms through interactive workshops, live performances, exhibitions, film and informative talks providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talents.

With so much to do, Penistone is THE destination to be, so make sure you make Penistone your destination in March!

EVENTS ARE ROLLING IN – Enrol yours today!

Whether you’re an artist, musician, writer, or performer, there are many ways to share your perspective and connect with others who share your passion. We’re always looking for more people to join us and more events to thrill our community, so join us. If you have an event, workshop, gig, or even just an idea you need help developing … get in touch at penistoneartsweek@gmail.com.

We’ll be putting the programme together soon in order to distribute for the beginning of February so if you have details already fully formed, send them in for inclusion by via our Events Form by 18th March 2026.

With over thirty events already scheduled for March 2026, it’s going to be amazing, but can we beat last year’s 55?

LOOK OUT FOR A LITTLE BIT EXTRA THIS YEAR

Sometimes, despite best efforts, a few events can’t fit into our official dates — most often because of venue availability. They’re still an important part of Penistone Arts Week, and we’re excited to share them with you.

PRE-PAW EVENT: Altared Images: A re-interpretation of pre-Raphaelite artist John Roddam Spencer Stanhope’s lost altarpiece

OUR HIGH STREET BECOMES AN ART GALLERY

One of our most popular events brings the High Street to life as shops and cafés — and much of the town centre — generously lend their windows to local artists. With 50+ artists across 50+ venues, the town erupts into a joyful riot of colour, creativity and imagination.

Look out for updates on this year’s town centre map and artists.

GET CREATIVE – WHERE ART MEETS ITS MATCH

Every year Penistone Arts Collective and Penistone Royal British Legion hosts the Penistone Landscape Artist of the Year En Plein Air Art Competition. In 2025 we had 26 participants all battling the elements to create a piece of art on the day of Penistone, in Penistone. Why not join in 2026 and see what you can create of our glorious town and its stunning countryside.

Click here to find out how to take part PENISTONE LANDSCAPE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2026.

Click here to view our 2025 artists and winners ‘ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2025’ EN PLEIN AIR ART COMPETITION.

STORY TIME COMES TO PENISTONE

Our much-loved Children’s Book Trail returns this March, bringing stories, imagination and plenty to keep children happily entertained. Watch this space for news of the exciting theme and fun ways you can help your child get creative.

More details HERE.

ARTISTS BEHIND THE SCENES

A dedicated team of artists make Penistone Arts Week possible each year through fundraising. This year they went above and beyond — creating 24 beautiful artworks for the 2026 calendar, then generously donating and auctioning prints to raise over £750 for St John’s Church roof fund.

You can find out more about the Penistone Arts Collective HERE.

2025 WAS A BLAST!

With 55 amazing events spanning all art forms and appealing to all ages and tastes, the variety was sensational. Penistone truly came to life — offering a glimpse into an inspiring programme that sparked new interests and hobbies for many.

You can see more of 2025’s events HERE.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

As an integral part of the Penistone Literary Festival and a former English Teacher, Chrissie Yates has always had an interest in the arts so it came naturally to her when she decided to form Penistone Arts Week along with a passionate committee.

Find out how it started HERE.

GET IN TOUCH TO STAY IN TOUCH

Email us at penistoneartsweek@gmail.com if you’d like to take part in any element of Penistone Arts Week or use our contact form HERE.

THANK YOU PENISTONE

As a volunteer run, social enterprise, Penistone Arts Week relies on the generosity of local businesses and people and we’d like to thank everyone who supports us and gets involved. We can’t thank everyone, but some go above and beyond and we’d like to give special thanks to these.