A unique and heartfelt week of community events is coming to Knaresborough this May, inviting residents to explore themes of bereavement, remembrance, and wellbeing through art, conversation, and creativity.
- Knaresborough, North Yorkshire | 4–10 May
“The Art of Saying Goodbye”, delivered in support of Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Awareness Week (4–10 May), will bring together local organisations, artists, and the public for a series of free workshops, exhibitions, and performances across the town.
The project has been supported by Eventure, and Supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’, highlighting strong regional commitment to community wellbeing and creative engagement.
Throughout the week, Knaresborough Library will also showcase a specially curated selection of books focusing on bereavement support, self-help, and wellbeing, offering additional resources for reflection and guidance.
Paul Forster, Project Manager at Knaresborough Connectors, said:
At Knaresborough Connectors, we support people by connecting them throughout their journey — from living well, to ageing well, to dying well. In a town the size of Knaresborough, around 3 people will die each week. That might sound like a small number, but when you consider that the average family has around 15 connected members, it means at least 50 people every week are directly affected by loss.
This project is about the art of letting go, but also about celebration. If you mapped every connection a person makes in their lifetime, you’d see just how many lives they’ve touched in a positive way — and how that impact continues.
Bereavement can leave a profound space in people’s lives, but by rebuilding connections, we can offer hope, support, and a sense of belonging. ‘The Art of Saying Goodbye’ is about opening up these conversations and reminding people that they are still valued, and never alone.
A Week of Creativity, Conversation and Community
The programme features a variety of accessible, drop-in sessions designed to create a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages to reflect, share memories, and explore thoughts around life and loss.
At the heart of the programme is a simple but powerful aim: to encourage open, honest conversations about death and dying in a way that feels human, creative, and inclusive.
Participants are invited to contribute to a collaborative public artwork, sharing reflections through writing, drawing, audio, or film. No artistic experience is required—only a willingness to take part.
The project also provides opportunities for people to connect with local support services, including bereavement support and end-of-life planning guidance.
Event Highlights Include:
Monday 4 May | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Free Family Art Workshops – Celebration of Memories
Kingfisher Kiosk, Conyngham Hall
Tuesday 5 May | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Creative Writing & Art Drop-In – Celebration of Memories
The Friendship Leisure Centre (Helper: Julie)
Wednesday 6 May | 7:30am – 3:00pm
Art Workshop – Knaresborough Market Stall
Wednesday 6 May | 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Drop-in Bereavement Café
The Hub at St John’s
Thursday 7 May | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Creative Writing Workshop
The Hub at St John’s
Thursday 7 May | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Art Workshop on Board the SPACE Bus
Gracious Street Methodist Church
Saturday 9 May | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Public Art Exhibition & Café
(Helper: Julie)
Saturday 9 May | 7:30pm – 9:15pm
Music to Die For – Live Concert
United Reformed Church, featuring local bands, choirs, and artists
