There's lots going on before our amazing Festival! Why not check out the Settle Stories Festival, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales: https://www.facebook.com/events/2069803583242268/

It's back. The small village with the big Festival. Saltaire is vibrant and buzzing with activity for much of the year but at Festival time it's extra special. Come along and join in the annual celebration of the arts, community and the village’s unique history. Starting off with the Open Gardens and village pop-ups on the first weekend, followed by a whole host of events and activities across the week. And we finish, as ever, with the hugely popular Finale weekend with the continental market, home-made stall, bands in park, and much, much more. There's something to entertain everyone and most events are free - so pop the dates in your diary now and let us know you are coming along. Don’t forget to visit the Saltaire Festival website for the latest news about performers and events (www.saltairefestival.co.uk) and share your Festival experiences using #saltfest18 We can't wait!

Did you see our Dates Announcement article in the The Telegraph & Argus ? Make sure you save the dates and tell all your friends and family. It's going to be a blast! http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/airelocal/16030955.Organisers_reveal_dates_for_Saltaire_Festival/

We've registered to be in the running for a free place at the forthcoming Buy Yorkshire event, which would give our lovely Festival some great exposure. But we need your votes to help us along the way. Head to https://buyyorkshire.com/register/ and register and then you can vote for us as one of your three votes! Thanking you all :)

Save the dates - the 2018 Festival is coming! -

**Save the dates - Saltaire Festival 2018** We’re super thrilled to announce that this year’s Saltaire Festival will take place from Friday 7th September to Sunday 16th September. Events and activities are already coming together, and the 10-day Festival will open, as ever, with the Open Gardens and pop-ups around the village as well as the Children’s Activities in Robert’s Park. Villagers will be invited to take part in the Open Gardens and pop-ups so look out for a letter through your door in the next couple of weeks. Events will continue right the way through the week, with Roberts Park hosting the much-loved finale weekend to close the Festival in style. If you have an idea for an event or would like to get involved, email: events@saltairefestival.co.uk More events and activities will be announced soon so keep your eye on our website and social media channels. We can’t wait, already!

It's Friday, it looks like it might be sunny later, and we've got some great news coming your way ... Make sure you are signed up to our newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox. We don't spam you and you can unsubscribe at any time - not that you would want to! https://saltairefestival.co.uk/contact/

We've got a stall at the table-top sale in Victoria Hall tomorrow so come along and find out how you can get involved in the Festival this year - oh, and pick up some bargains while you are there. We'll be there from 10am till 12 noon. http://www.victoriahallsaltaire.co.uk/event/saltaire-cricket-club-table-top-sale-30/

Volunteers Meeting - Wednesday 24th January, 7pm A reminder that all new and existing volunteers are invited to the Events Team meeting on Wednesday 24th January at 7pm, where there will be reps from each of our four teams as well as volunteers from previous Festivals for you to have a chat to. Come along and find out more and join the Festival Family down at Festival Towers. Wednesday 24th January, 7pm, at the United Reformed Church (the big fancy one in the centre of Saltaire!). There is a meeting room round the side and down the steps. Someone will be on-hand to show you to the right room! If you'd like more info, or would like to let us know that you are coming along, email us at: volunteers@saltairefestival.co.uk

Thanks to everyone that came to our volunteers meeting on Tuesday night. The weather was somewhat challenging and we heard from lots of you that wanted to come along but couldn't quite get to us. So, here's another opportunity to come and meet the different teams and find out more. You are all invited to the Events Team meeting on Wednesday 24th January at 7pm, where there will be reps from each team as well as volunteers from previous Festivals. Come along and find out more and join the Festival Family down at Festival Towers. Wednesday 24th January, 7pm, at the United Reformed Church (the big fancy one in the centre of Saltaire!). There is a meeting room round the side and down the steps. Someone will be on-hand to show you to the right room! If you'd like more info, or would like to let us know that you are coming along, email us at: volunteers@saltairefestival.co.uk We can't wait to see you (and we hope the weather is better!)

Our meeting for new and experienced volunteers is at The Triangle, Shipley, tomorrow night from 7pm. Come along, have a chat with some of the current volunteers and find out more about playing your part in making the Festival a success. We can't do it without you. You may have seen our article in today's T&A: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/15825128.Popular_festival_s_future_in_doubt_as_appeal_for_funding_and_volunteers_starts/

As the weekend approaches why not plan next week and pop Tuesday 16th January in your diary - come along to our informal and friendly open meeting to find out more about volunteering with the Festival. The Festival runs solely on volunteer input and we need enthusiastic and awesome people to get involved across a range of areas - marketing, comms, social media, events, children's activities, finances and fundraising, and the running events and activities during the Festival itself. We couldn't do it without you and you can give as much or as little time as you have. Tuesday 16th January, 7pm, The Triangle, Shipley. Why not bring a friend and do something amazing together in 2018. Contact us at: hello@saltairefestival.co.uk if you have any queries at all. We can't wait to meet you all!