WEARDALE PLEIN AIR
FESTIVAL 2026
St. John's Chapel, Weardale
29th - 31st May 2026
Weardale Plein-Air
Festival
Date
29th - 31st May 2026
Painting the Spirit of Weardale.
Join us in the heart of the North Pennines for a brand-new celebration of plein air painting. The Weardale Plein Air Festival brings together artists of all levels for three inspiring days of creativity, connection and community, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes and charming villages of this beautiful valley.
St John's Chapel, Weardale
Set within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Weardale offers sweeping moorlands, winding rivers and hidden corners of charm – the perfect inspiration for plein air painters.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just discovering the joy of painting outdoors, this festival is for you. Come and immerse yourself in creativity, friendship, and the breathtaking scenery of Weardale.
What To Expect
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Paint Outs – Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and capture the beauty of Weardale in the open air.
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Workshops & Demonstrations – Learn new techniques from experienced artists and watch masters at work.
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The Plein Air Competition – Take part in an exciting contest with generous prizes up for grabs.
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Selling Exhibition – Share your work with festival visitors and collectors in our dedicated exhibition space.
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Artist Socials – Relax and unwind with a programme of friendly evening gatherings, including a life drawing session paired with cheese & wine, or join us for an evening of good food and chat at our artist's BBQ.
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Special Experiences – Paint in a pretty cottage garden, complete with a posh cream tea lunch, or join a guided history art walk.
Accommodation
Looking for the perfect place to stay during your visit? We’ve got you covered! There are plenty of lovely options right here in — and just a stone’s throw from — where it’s all happening in St John’s Chapel and Westgate.
Some of our favourites include Little Sparrow Cottage, Weardale Cottage, Carrs Cottage, Acorn Cottage and The Golden
Lion (which even offers one-night stays for those just passing through).
For loads more great choices and insider tips, head over to Discover Weardale — a delightful treasure trove of all things Weardale. You’ll find plenty of inspiration (and maybe a few hidden gems!)
~ The Judges ~
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Please join us in welcoming the hugely talented Lynton Parmar Hemsley, a finalist in Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.
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Lynton-Parmar-Hemsley has been a full time artist for over 30 years. He trained as a commercial illustrator and has worked in Manchester and London as a storyboard artist and illustrator. He now devotes all his working time to figure and landscape painting. He has, however, also had considerable success as a portrait artist.
Lynton runs and hosts hugely successful painting holidays in Staithes - a place close to his heart.
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Lynton’s exceptional eye, experience, and passion for painting make him a fantastic addition to our judging panel. We can’t wait to see the work he’ll help champion!
Lynton Parmar Hemsley
We’re proud to announce that Michael John Ashcroft (ROI) will be joining us as a judge for this year’s Competition.
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With work exhibited at the prestigious Mall Galleries and recognition from the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Michael brings a wealth of experience and an exceptional eye for landscape and atmosphere.
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After rising to the top 30 artists on Show Me the Monet, competing against over 3,000 entrants, his reputation continues to grow both nationally and internationally.
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Based in Lancashire, where he first studied, Michael’s work is now collected worldwide and we’re delighted he’ll be helping select this year’s winning pieces.
Michael John Ashcroft
Our final judge -Founder and Chair of Kirkcarrion Gallery in Middleton-in -Teesdale, Wendy Dawson Young.
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Wendy has exhibited her landscape paintings in galleries in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and further afield. Her present work is mostly in ceramics, drawing on the rugged landscapes of the North Pennines for inspiration through sketching outdoors, collecting raw materials and research.
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Wendy’s love for Weardale and the stories of its industrial past that shaped the land give her evaluations depth and context to the competition.