Barnaby 2016 – put the date in your diary

Barnaby Festival returns from Friday 17 June – Sunday 26 June 2016 for ten days of festivities in Macclesfield town centre on the theme ‘Space’.

With funding from Arts Council England and Cheshire East Council there are ambitious plans for this, the town’s sixth festival.

What’s in store for 2016

Once again there’ll be a rich mix of live events, street shows, comedy, performance, film, workshops, walks and talks.

For the first time the festival will include a magical family experience from Macclesfield-based Wild Rumpus – the team behind Cheshire’s ‘Just So Festival’ – at Christ Church.

There’ll be an expanded music line-up, work from artists of national and international renown, the ever popular Carnival Parade, and Art Trail to name but Barnaby Festival returns from Friday 17 June – Sunday 26 June 2016 for ten days of festivities in Macclesfield town centre on the theme ‘Space’. With funding from Arts Council England and Cheshire East Council there are ambitious plans for this, the town’s sixth festival. a few.

Meet our Festival Director
Karl Wallace has recently joined the Barnaby team as Festival Director, leading the artistic programme and the volunteer team. Karl comes to Barnaby with a wealth of experience including his time as Chief Executive and Creative Director of The National Folk Theatre of Ireland, Festival Director of the international ‘Unfringed Festival’, and Creative Director for Limerick City of Culture.

Karl says “I am delighted to be joining Macclesfield Barnaby Festival. What makes this festival so unique and exciting is the way it brings the town together to celebrate and engage in the arts.”

Calling Macclesfield artists
Barnaby Festival is inviting proposals for new work, on the theme ‘Space’ from artists and curators based in Macclesfield and surrounding villages. Awards of between £300 and £1000 are available.

Elizabeth Cookson, Barnaby Festival Visual Arts Director said “We look forward to receiving a rich variety of art proposals from Macclesfield-based artists which will challenge and delight visitors”. Applications must be received by Friday 17 July 2015.

Want to get involved?
Would you like to participate as a volunteer, supporter or sponsor?    Almost 200 volunteers helped during 2014 in all kinds of roles and levels of commitment. Why not join us – opportunities start now!    Our colourful festival has always had great support from the business community in Macclesfield and beyond. Opportunities to sponsor key events in 2016 are available now. For details on corporate and individual support get in touch – mail@barnabyfestival.org.uk