RELAXING, debating, a pot luck lunch and a special intimate performance - that’s what visitors to Helmsley’s LittleFest will enjoy.

Following the announcement that LittleFest would return to Helmsley on the last weekend of September 26 and 27, further details have been made available on the events taking place on its final day.

After the excitement and all-encompassing nature of Saturday’s event, which will see the town taken over by art in all its forms, Sunday will encourage people to head to Helmsley Arts Centre to take part in activities focusing on community, the arts and the relationship they have with one another.

The day will incorporate two free performances of An Icy Man at 11am and 3pm from the highly-regarded Little Mighty Theatre Company. An intimate storytelling experience, in which the audience gathers around a miniature model of a snowbound village, An Icy Man draws on Northern folklore, myths and legends to create an atmospheric and theatrical experience, unique to 17 people at a time. As spaces will be limited, anyone aged 14 and over wishing to register in advance should email helmsley@onourturf.co.uk

A Pot Luck lunch at 1pm encourages everyone to bring a dish to add to the meal, before a debate begins at 2pm with the opening statement, “The arts are in all the wrong places”. Guest speakers will get the debate started, but everyone is welcome to share their thoughts.

Em Whitfield Brooks, director at Helmsley Arts Centre, said: “It’s a bit of a change of pace from the busy excitement of the Saturday, through to the contemplation of Sunday, but we hope people will come along and join in, whether it’s for part or all of the day’s activities.

"The debate should be interesting as it’s the fundamental reason behind LittleFest – opening up art to people in different and unexpected venues for their enjoyment. If art is for everyone, why do relatively few people come and experience it in venues? We are also delighted to be able to put on two performances of An Icy Man, a truly fascinating and magical experience, which really is unique.”

The aim of LittleFest is to introduce new arts to different people, in an informal setting. It includes visual arts, storytelling, music, theatre, poetry and dance popping up in often unexpected spaces across the town - from shops and cafes, to street corners, gardens and car parks. Dozens of Helmsley businesses have signed up to be involved by playing host to a performer on Saturday, September 26.

LittleFest is created in conjunction with York Theatre Royal and the Helmsley Arts Centre as part of the On Our Turf initiative.

To find out more about the event, and to keep updated about news and schedules, go to visithelmsley.co.uk or helmsleylittlefest.com or follow Helmsley on Facebook facebook.com/visithelmsley or @visithelmsley and @HelmsleyOOT on Twitter.