Thank you to everyone who has so far submitted an event for consideration for the 2026 Royston Arts Festival the closing date for which we have now extended to Friday 26th June which is also now the deadline for seed-funding applications. We have done so to allow more time for the detail to be worked out in several cases which we hope will lead to more events in the festival but, owing to the copy deadline for the printed programme there can be no further extension. However, if you have an exciting idea for an event for the 2026 Royston Arts Festival (Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 September) but haven’t yet submitted it there is still time to discuss it with the team if you wish. Just contact Carl Filby by email using chair@creativeroyston.org in the first instance.

This year’s festival theme ‘Above and Beyond’ celebrates creativity, kindness, courage and determination. Think David Attenborough on a national scale, the Artemis II space mission flight round the moon which literally went ‘Above and Beyond’, or Harold Ackroyd on a more local and historical level. Or, you may draw inspiration from the visual and narrative worlds of the superhero genre from global icons to hyper-local heroes, fictional characters and historical figures. Lean into the blockbuster superhero vibe, honour real-life legends, or explore mythological characters.

If you are thinking of organising an event please consult our Organise An Event page for more details on how to do so and read how your event may qualify for some seed funding from us if it meets the necessary conditions.

We are also looking for volunteers to help at the festival if you have even just a couple of hours to spare and ask you to email volunteers@creativeroyston.org in the first instance. If you have any marketing skills, maybe wish to enhance your CV, and can spare 2-4 hours per month between June and September then we invite you to apply for the position of Marketing Manager. Just click on the link for more details.