Barnaby Festival 2016

John Hartshorn, carnival director for Macclesfield Barnaby Festival 2016 is a man on a mission – following next year’s theme of ‘Space’, the passionate parade leader is calling on Maxonians to get behind the parade to craft 10,000 stars.

Explaining the request John says ‘we want the parade and the town of Macclesfield to be shimmering with stars for 2016, to reflect the theme of ‘Space’ – any size, colour, material or quantity we just want stars! So, whether you’re a community group, individual or crafty society, put your skills to the test and help create Macclesfield’s very own constellation!’

Image: Lisa Paton

Design and construction for what promises to be Barnaby’s biggest, brightest and boldest parade is well underway at ArtSpace where John and a loyal team are busy building giant puppets, hand-crafted floats and costumes ready for 2016. Each year John aims to get more people involved in the lively cavalcade that passes though the streets of central Macclesfield. ‘There’s always a role for willing volunteers be it using well-honed carpentry, building, engineering skills in the workshop, being a flag bearer or float-puller on the day, costume making, decorating or being an animateur (crowd-entertainer!)’ To get involved simply come along to ArtSpace on Tuesdays from 12noon until 9pm to meet the parade team. http://macclesfieldcommunityartspace.com

In addition to active involvement the parade team are seeking some unusual items to create new floats, so if you’ve any of these (working or not!) lurking in the loft get in touch with John directly – sambajohn1@yahoo.com

• Old golf buggy
• Old bikes / random wheels
• Old electric scooter or mobility scooter
• Bamboo canes
• Metal poles such as old tent poles
• Hats
• Cloaks
• Fancy dress items