Barnaby returns in June ’23 . . . 

. . . with a theme ‘In a new light’

Bringing art and community to Macclesfield town on the 17th & 18th June 2023.

Barnaby is back, with its first in-person parade since 2018, once again taking to the streets of Macclesfield to provide a platform for artists, champion creative engagement and strengthen ties within the community. The festival theme: In a New Light, calls for fresh perspectives, new thinking and open exploration of what Barnaby and creativity in Macclesfield can achieve.

This year’s festival will feature the iconic Barnaby Parade on 17 June, in collaboration with Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, and supported by Macclesfield Town Council. Open registration to feature in the parade will be available via the Barnaby Festival website. Floats in response to the theme “In a New Light” will flood the festival route, beginning at Christ Church, marking the return of an event that has been a highlight of the Macclesfield calendar across generations. 

Setting the stage for the festival weekend is the Art Trail. Transforming the streets of the town into a community exhibition, shining “a new light” on the art talent within Macclesfield. See shop fronts, shared spaces, and local hubs become gallery spaces. From photography to poetry, pottery to portraits, the Barnaby festival weekend will be bursting with creative submissions of all levels, including entries from pre-festival workshops with Macclesfield Silk Museum.

With a mind to explore future avenues for Barnaby’s presence within the town, the festival will play host to The Listening Tent, in St Michael’s Churchyard. A space to share Barnaby memories, give feedback and suggestions, and act as a festival hub for information and to meet the current Barnaby team.

The Barnaby Trustees said “We couldn’t be happier to be bringing Barnaby back this year, with 3 key elements that speak to our missions as a registered charity. As an organisation, we want this year’s events to focus on bringing the community of Macclesfield together; to champion existing artistic talent as well as introduce creativity at an inclusive and accessible level; and to really listen to the thoughts and opinions of the town so that we can reshape Barnaby for the people of Macclesfield.”

Full programme details to be announced at a later date, with further coverage across Barnaby’s social media platforms and website https://barnabyfestival.org.uk/barnaby-festival-announcement-2023/