Ryedale Festival honoured with King's Award for Voluntary Service
The Ryedale Festival has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour given to volunteer groups in the UK.
It recognises the extraordinary contribution of more than 100 volunteers who help bring music to communities across North and East Yorkshire.
Volunteering has been at the heart of the Ryedale Festival throughout its history.
Each year, scores of volunteers give their time, energy and enthusiasm to help make the festival possible, supporting everything from welcoming audiences and looking after artists to preparing venues, distributing publicity, selling tickets and helping events run smoothly.
Drawn from towns and villages across the region, the volunteers bring a remarkable range of ages, backgrounds and experience.
Some have been involved for decades, while others join each year, discovering new friendships and becoming part of a shared endeavour.
Together, they provide the warmth, welcome and personal touch that have become hallmarks of the festival.
Kate Hall, Producer of the Ryedale Festival, said: "Our volunteers are such an important part of the Ryedale Festival.
"In so many ways they are the personality of the festival, adding warmth, enthusiasm, fun and good humour alongside a real commitment to making everything run to the highest standard.
"Our volunteer team spans generations, with some having been with us for many years and others joining for the first time, but all sharing a real pride in being part of the festival.
“There’s a great sense of friendship and teamwork and it’s fantastic to see their contribution recognised in this way.’’
The award comes at an exciting time for the Ryedale Festival, widely recognised as one of Yorkshire’s most successful cultural events.
Bringing internationally famous artists and outstanding live music to cities, towns and villages across North and East Yorkshire, the festival combines ambitious artistic programming with deep roots in the communities it serves.
In 2026, the festival presented 60 events in more than 35 venues, including nine new locations.
Alongside its concert programme, the festival creates opportunities for young people, from first encounters with live music and creative participation to work experience, professional development and a platform for some of the most promising young musicians of their generation.
Ed Anderson, Chair of the Ryedale Festival, said: “This is a tremendous honour, and one that belongs to everyone who has given their time to the Ryedale Festival over the years.
"Our volunteers’ dedication helps us bring outstanding music to beautiful places across Yorkshire, welcome new audiences and create important opportunities for young people.
"We are immensely proud of them and delighted that their contribution has received this national recognition.”
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is awarded for life.
Recipients receive a certificate signed by His Majesty The King and a commemorative crystal, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant.
Representatives of the winning groups may also be invited to attend a Royal Garden Party.
The prestigious award, equivalent to an MBE, celebrates outstanding voluntary work that makes a lasting difference to communities.
Established in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, it recognises groups whose dedication, generosity and commitment have an exceptional impact on the people and places they serve.