Skipton International Puppetry Symposium 2025
Date: 17–18 October 2025
Location: Skipton Town Hall, North Yorkshire
Reconnect – Revision – Re-set: UK Puppetry Symposium
A two-day gathering of puppetry professionals from the UK and beyond, featuring workshops, performances, panels, and networking. Organised by North Yorkshire Council and funded by Arts Council England, the event focuses on sector growth, early-career support, and international collaboration. Activities will continue post symposium on Sunday 19th with PuppeteersUK AGM (members only) to take place at Craven Arts House and free puppetry performances, exhibition and demonstrations for the public.
Where is UK puppetry now — thriving, struggling, or surviving?
Where do we want to be, and how do we get there?
This is your chance to connect, share, and shape the future of the artform.
Isolation is a common challenge. Can we build a stronger, more united community? What do we need from our organisations to better support and advocate for us — at home and on tour?
Let’s come together to find our voice and reimagine what’s possible.
Highlights:
- Workshops and panel debates with leading puppetry professionals
- Public performances and exhibitions
- Opportunities for early career artists to showcase work
- Celebration of the British Puppet Guild’s centenary
- AGM of Puppeteers UK and sector-wide networking
Partners Include:
- British Puppet Guild
- British UNIMA
- Improbable Theatre
- Lempen Puppet Theatre
- Puppet Centre
- Puppeteers UK
- Punch and Judy Fellowship
- Theatre Rites
- The Curious School of Puppetry
Symposium and Festival Events
Creative Networking Event
Skipton International Puppetry Symposium 2025: Reconnect – Revision – Re-set
