FREE craft workshops are being organised by our team as part of a major new arts project, Rombald’s Rocks: Keighley Sculpture Trail, which will see 10 unique creations on display across the town.
Behind the initiative is artist, illustrator and sculptor Leonie Briggs, who is working on the venture with arts charity Keighley Creative.
Inspiration for the theme was derived from the story of Rombald the Giant, whose statue stands in the Airedale Shopping Centre. According to legend, Rombald and his wife threw stones, which broke up and created the Cow & Calf Rocks on Ilkley Moor.
The first workshop is being staged in the Airedale Shopping Centre on Saturday (26th April 2025). More follow at Keighley Market on Saturday May 3 and on May 17, and in the shopping centre on May 10. Sessions, which take place between 10.30am and 3pm, are open to all ages.
They are being led by artists and creatives Amy Hall and Jane Sedgwick and will include clay modelling and mark-marking all based around the theme of “Rombald’s Rocks”.
Participants will have the chance to make rock-themed artworks.
Cat Murray, our Events Manager, says: “Many people might not know who Rombald is, but will be familiar with the big statue that sits in the Airedale Shopping Centre.
“The workshops and sculpture trail aim to carry on the story of Rombald the Giant and his wife, who smashed stones on Ilkley Moor and created the Cow and Calf. What if the other bits of rock sprouted arms and legs and ended up in Keighley? What adventures might they have had? We’d love Keighley people to come together to create works of art that tell their stories.
“Different crafting experiences will be on offer, so participants can experiment using various media.
“There is no charge, no tickets are required and there’s no need to book.”
“We want as many local people as possible to feel included in the project; the trail is not just for artists, it’s for everyone.”
Creations will feature in pop-up exhibitions, which will sit alongside the sculptures – made by Leonie – across the town centre.
The sculpture trail is being launched on Saturday, May 24.
In addition to the unveiling of the sculptures, there will be free activities, including storytelling and music.
Volunteers are being sought to provide support.
For further information, email admin@keighleycreative.org or follow @keighleycreative on social media.
The project is supported by the Bradford 2025 Creative Communities Fund and Keighley BID.
