About Us

Connecting communities through culture since 1997

Highlights Rural Touring Scheme links 70+ village halls, a passionate network of volunteer promoters, and a vibrant mix of local and national artists. Together, we light up rural communities with unforgettable theatre, music, dance, and storytelling.

Originally founded to serve isolated villages in the North Pennines, we now reach across Cumbria, County Durham, and Northumberland – areas where economic decline, poor transport, and social isolation remain real challenges.

Our events change that. They spark connection, bring laughter, and fill village halls with life. Some venues are cosy and intimate, perfect for acoustic gigs or one-person shows.

Others are grander, ready for full-scale productions. Whatever the size, expect great entertainment, friendly faces, and often the best homemade cake you’ve ever tasted.

We are funded by Arts Council England and we’re part of a national sector, one of more than 25rural touring schemes reaching over 2,000 small venues across the UK, championed by the National Rural Touring Forum. In Cumbria, we work closely with Arts Out West to co-deliver a packed programme that keeps culture alive and local.

Two female performers stand on stage in front of a red curtain. There is a sign, surrounded by illuminated lightbulbs which reads 'Now Showing: The Full Monty'. The two performers have blonde hair and wear glittering jump suits. They have their right hands in the air above their heads and their left hands held out to their sides. They are pulling dramatic faces.

What we do

Four female actors are performing in a village hall for a large audience. There is bunting hanging from the ceiling. An actor in the centre of the stage is gesturing with her arms open wide.

Live Events

We work with a network of volunteer promoters to programme live events into rural communities, bringing quality cultural opportunities to remote areas.

What’s On

A performer stands in front of a group of young children. She is wearing a flowing green dress with a crown made out of leaves and grass on her head. She is holding her arms up in the air with colourful material hanging from each hand.

Schools & Community

We offer affordable creative workshops to schools and community groups, inspiring
the next generation of performers and audiences.

Schools & Community

Two musicians are shown side by side. On the left, a white man in his late twenties is wearing thick rimmed glasses and holds a trilby just below his chin. On the right a woman in her twenties, wearing a white blouse, stands next to a harp. Her hair is short and blows softly in the wind.

Artist Support

We work with a broad range of artists, companies and creative practitioners, supporting the development of regional, national and international talent.

Artist Support

The Team

The Highlights team stand in front of a christmas tree in the hallway of a country house. There are four women of medium height, and one tall man. They are wearing christmas hats and masks.

Highlights Rural Touring Scheme is staffed by a passionate and dedicated team. We all believe deeply in the value of rural communities, live events and performances, and the need for equal and equitable access to the arts.

Based in Brough, we’re proud to serve rural communities across the County Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland.

Meet the Team

Sustainability

We are always working very hard to improve our sustainability, whether this is reducing the amount we print, helping our venues find ways to reduce their carbon footprint, or the smaller, simpler things such as car-sharing and using a local milk vending machine for our morning coffees.

Find out more about out green journey so far!

Sustainability

The Highlights team volunteer at the Eden Rivers Trust. They are helping to pick seeds out of Rowan tree berries. The sky is blue and they are all wearing tshirts. There are three women of medium height and one tall man.

Find out more

Board & Governance

Partners

Performer Info

Vision, Mission & Values

Volunteering & Vacancies

“You’ve helped keep music alive.”

– Steve Bone, audience member