‘Barnaby Light, Barnaby Bright’

The streets of Macclesfield are set to sparkle with stars this Barnaby, as the community comes together to celebrate the festival with a ‘Space’ themed parade starting at 1pm on Saturday 18^th June.  With thousands expected to line the route, organisers are looking forward to the biggest Carnival Parade yet.

Tom Condron, Polly Cookson, Grace Cookson and Poppy Sharp ⓒ Fiona Bailey

Over twenty community groups have been involved, making colourful costumes and flamboyant floats. John Hartshorn, the Parade’s Artistic Director, says: “We’re thrilled with the interest this year – everyone from cubs, to pubs, to dance troupes and community groups have come together to shape our star-spangled parade. But there’s still room for more! Everyone is invited to bring a star along on the day, to wave from the crowd and help us create the biggest human galaxy possible. I can’t wait!”

Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, which organisers the Carnival Parade, is also building a giant star which will be raised aloft at the end of the festival as part of the fabulous family event, La Lune.

Floats being prepared for the Parade at Artspace ⓒ Fiona Bailey

The enormous five-point star – which measures over eighteen feet in diameter – is being decorated by five different community groups, including residents from the Hurdsfield estate, children from Ashgrove School and Macclesfield Beavers, as well as participants in the hugely successful Brick Project in Park Lane underpass and a group celebrating the lives of lost loved ones.

“The giant star is a unique project aimed at getting people involved creatively in the whole La Lune adventure” says John Hartshorn. “The five points will be joined together to make one enormous star which will play a magical part at ‘The Moon Rising’ a free outdoor event on Saturday 25th June. It’s going to be pretty spectacular, seeing it all come together.”

Barnaby Festival Director, Karl Wallace, agrees: “The Carnival Parade has always been special, but this year we’re expecting a little bit of star dust too. Anyone is welcome to join in, so long as they wear a ‘space’ themed costume and promise to smile! Strolling musicians and performers are especially welcome, as we want to be heard from space as well as seen! And ‘The Moon Rising’ the following Saturday promises to be something the families of Macclesfield will be talking about for years!”

The Barnaby Carnival Parade takes place on Saturday 18^th June at 1pm, starting at Macclesfield Town Hall in Market Place.  The Moon Rising takes place at Christ Church on Saturday 25th June at 8.45pm.

For more information about joining the parade, please contact John Hartshorn at sambajohn1@yahoo.com.

Tickets for The Astronomer’s Story – the theatre show at the heart of La Lune – are available £6 and £8 at www.barnabyfestival.org.uk