AN INTIMATE experience is promised this year as Keighley Arts and Film Festival returns after its successful launch in 2019.

Last year’s inaugural festival attracted hundreds of people to events across the town including Cliffe Castle Park and the Creative Space studios in Hanover Street.

This year’s festival has to be presented differently due to Covid-19 restrictions, and is moving entirely online with the monicker KAFF Intimate.

Local woman Ann Rutherford is coordinating the events and activities, which will run from this month until September. Also heavily involved is Keighley Creative which brings together many Keighley artists.

Keighley Creative spokesman Gemma Hobbs said: “We have not been able to go live this year with fantastic performances, so we have devised special events to take place online via Facebook and Youtube.

“The festival will come directly from the sofas of our performers to yours. We have lined up exciting events including fresh new talent from Keighley.

“Rose Wheeler, from Keighley duo Felka, with her beautiful voice and theatrical skills will create something spectacular. Brian Diggle will accompany her on a range of instruments.

“Look out for Rose and Bryan’s first release Friday July 31 - this will be their own rendition of Cars by Gary Numan. Watch out for the extraordinary video!

“Further releases of remakes of some classic songs will follow as August progresses. We are asking everyone to contribute to the selection process for songs on the Keighley Arts and Film Festival Facebook.

“Our favourite story teller Sue Dyde will present Murky Tales of Keighley, skilfully creating a web of intrigue with her quirky tales. This will be experienced as a podcast online, towards the end of September.”

Multi-lingual poet Nabeela Ahmed will be delivering a podcast comprising a series of beautiful poems covering themes such as love, injustice and isolation.

Gemma said: “A tonic for our times, Nabeela’s poems sing out with personal experience and warmth. She will read a selection of her poetry in three languages, Pahari, Urdu, and English.

“Nabeela will be holding an online tea party and poetry reading for all to take part in, on Friday August 28. This will be online.

“At the tea party we will be hearing a little of her poetry and talking to Nabeela about her career in spoken word with a question and answer session.

“You can hear more from Nabeela and the team behind this year’s festival on Asian Fever Radio in August.”

KAFF Intimate will also include the long-established RATMA Film Festival in October, organised by Marcus Gregg and Gareth James.

Gemma added: “We are looking forward to seeing what films Marcus and Gareth have found around the world for us to see. Have a look on the RATMA festival website for details of how to enter your films into the competition.”

For further information, the Keighley Arts and Film Festival on Facebook or visitratmafilmfestival.com.