Talks & discussions

  • Thu
    18
    Apr
    2024
    Tue
    31
    Dec
    2024
    7.30 pm to 9 pmKing Edward Street Chapel, 4 King Edward Street, Macclesfield, SK10 1AA

    Join us at King Edward Street Chapel Macclesfield and fill your Thursday evenings with song!

    A welcoming space where we focus on joy and connection over perfection

    No auditions, no sheet music, no previous experience needed. Open to everyone, whether you consider yourself a singer or not.

    For more information email maccsings@gmail.com or just drop in!

    Sessions cost £8 but we have a limited number of "pay what you can" space available for those on low income

     

  • Mon
    16
    Sep
    2024
    Tue
    31
    Dec
    2024
    Tytherington Family Worship Church, Sandwich Dr, Tytherington, Macclesfield SK10 2UD

    Did you know that your local Rock Choir meets every Monday evenings at Tytherington Family Worship Church?

    The Autumn term begins on Monday, 16th September – and you could be singing along.

    The Choir are a very friendly group that can guarantee you having a great time, learning a wide variety of music, from Abba to the Stone Roses!

    Rock Choir was established in 2005 by award-winning musician, Caroline Redman Lusher and is now the world's largest contemporary choir, with over 33,000 members participating in approximately 400 local communities across the UK.

    It offers all ages an alternative experience to the traditional classical or community choir, introducing members to feel-good pop, rock and contemporary chart songs. Hit songs from the current charts and decades are deconstructed and rebuilt by Caroline and her creative team to offer members unique versions of favourite hits.

    Rock Choir has an uplifting ethos of fun and friendship and the community spirit is a huge part of its attraction where members enjoy a dynamic, glamorous and busy new social life and connect with their community. At an individual level, it helps improve people's well-being by building their self-confidence, self-esteem and in turn helps them to enjoy positive mental and physical health benefits all through the power of group singing.

    Rock Choir are always happy to welcome new members! There are no auditions and no requirement to read music. Sign up now for a FREE taster session by visiting www.rockchoir.com.

  • Tue
    01
    Oct
    2024
    Thu
    15
    May
    2025
    7:30 pmMacclesfield Library, Brunswick Street, Macclesfield
  • Fri
    29
    Nov
    2024
    Tue
    31
    Dec
    2024
    Lyme, Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR

    After a three-week sleep, Lyme’s grand mansion reopens to the public on Friday 29 November with a raucous winter experience for all ages.

    This year, Lyme transforms into festive winter playground for all ages from November 29th as the interactive Animal Crackers exhibition returns for another year. This year the animals are exploring winter traditions with firm favourites and new animals joining the fun too. Nearly all the animals in the exhibit can be found at Lyme: most notably the red deer, which were inspired by Lyme’s medieval deer herd and can be seen on a walk throughout the estate.

    Artist Sophie Tyrrell with her creations in the Dining Room Image ⓒ Chris Doyle

    As visitors pass through the different rooms, they will see Lyme like never before – with larger-than-life animals exploring winter traditions. Find a turkey sitting at the table for dinner or brown bear hibernating in bed, ready for Christmas to start.

    The house is filled with interactive fun and games for all ages too. Visitors can pick up a microphone and sing their hearts out in the clock room or play pin the tail on the hare and other parlour games in the Library.

    These wild creations are conceived and created by local Stockport-based artist Sophie Tyrrell, whose signature style incorporates bold colour and recycled materials. She says “I have brought a circus of creatures who, in the tradition of carnival and masquerade, bring my own form of creative mischief. I encourage visitors to celebrate the handmade, joy in the imperfect, laugh, play and sing together!”

    Grab a mic and sing along in the State Bedroom Image ⓒ Chris Doyle

    Many of the decorations which deck the halls are handmade by Lyme’s staff, volunteers, and community groups from every day recycled or donated materials. Outside of the house, Crow Wood near the Timberyard will feature a collection of community trees, decorated by local primary schools and organisations across Disley and the surrounding area.

    Meghan MacGabhann, Lyme’s Experiences and Visitor Programming Manager said, “At Lyme, Christmas has always been a time for traditions. Many of our visitors come here every year for family gatherings, walks, and to enjoy Lyme’s beautiful landscape in winter. This year with Animal Crackers the whole family can experience winter traditions in a new and interactive way. We’re also looking forward to welcoming community choirs – who will be giving carol concerts throughout December – and, of course, our popular afternoon teas – which will also be taking on a festive twist.”

    Festive afternoon teas will include a selection of sweet treats and sandwiches made from local produce, and there are limited tables available to book online.

    Lyme’s Animal Crackers II opens Friday 29 November and is open every day of the week until 24 December. Standard admission charges apply, National Trust Members are free. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme or call 01663 762023.

  • Sat
    07
    Dec
    2024
    Sun
    29
    Dec
    2024

    Some last minute December events for you, including some from our friends at The Nose Coffee, in this last email newsletter of 2024 from the Ranger Service.

    As we approach the festive season, Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service would like to wish a very Merry Christmas, to everyone who celebrates it, & a Happy New Year to all!

    All our countryside sites will be open to visitors on Christmas Day but the visitor centres will remain closed. See the bottom of the email for The Nose Coffee Festive opening hours.

    Scroll right to the bottom to see December’s last minute events and get your tickets booked ASAP so you don’t miss out!

    Saturday 7 December to Sunday 29 December – Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt

    The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names? Pick up a map from near the visitor centre and get searching around the park.

    Maps available to collect between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 7th of December and 29th December but not available on Christmas Day. Please bring a pen / pencil with you.

    Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
    Meeting point: Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Davenport Lane, Brereton, Congleton, CW12 4SU (SJ794653)
    Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service
    Information: 01477 534115
    (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Easy walking grade / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments).

    Saturday 7 December to Sunday 29 December – Poppy’s Elf Hunt at Tegg’s Nose Country Park

    The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names?

    Purchase a map from The Nose Coffee, inside the Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, for 50p, and get searching around the top of the park. Once you’ve completed the trail come back to The Nose Coffee for 50p off your food and / or drink order.

    Maps available to buy between 9.00am to 4.00pm between the 7th of December and 29th December but not available from 3pm on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day afternoon. Please bring a pen / pencil with you.

    Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm (see above)
    Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
    Leaders: Cheshire East Council Countryside Ranger Service and The Nose Coffee
    Information: 01625 374833
    (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Healthy walk – Event / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / Partnership event / There is a charge for this event)

    Tuesday 10 December – Festive Card Making with Pink Tiger Design

    Unleash your creativity at our Card Making Workshop, hosted by Pink Tiger Design! Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this hands-on experience will guide you in designing and creating personalized cards for any occasion.

    What’s included:

    • Expert guidance on essential card-making techniques.
    • Tips for adding unique designs, textures, and embellishments.
    • All materials to craft stunning handmade cards.
    • A complimentary hot drink from The Nose Coffee to keep you inspired!

    Join us for a relaxing and creative session where you’ll leave with beautiful cards and memories to treasure.

    Booking in advance is essential. Cost £20 plus Eventbrite fee.

    Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
    Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
    Leaders: Pink Tiger Design
    (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Easy walking grade / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Partnership event / Places limited – please book in advance / Please leave your dog at home / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)

    Book tickets for Book tickets for Festive Card Making with Pink Tiger Design

    Sunday 15 December – Meet Poppy the Elf at Tegg’s Nose Country Park

    🎄Meet Poppy the Elf & Join the Fun at The Nose Coffee🎄

    Get ready for a magical, FREE Christmas adventure at Tegg’s Nose Country Park ✨

    What’s Happening:

    • Meet Poppy the Elf: Post your letters to Santa.
    • Make Magical Reindeer Treats: Help Poppy prepare snacks for Santa’s reindeer.
    • Poppy’s Elf Hunt: Join the search for Poppy’s lost friends around the park!

    This one-day-only event is perfect for families and children of all ages. Come along for festive fun, adventure, and Christmas spirit! 🎁🦌

    Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
    Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
    Leaders: The Nose Coffee
    (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Moderate walking grade / Partial accessibility – level or ramped access / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments)

    Saturday 21 December – Gingerbread Decorating Delight with Festive Foodies at Tegg’s Nose Country Park

    Gingerbread Decorating with The Nose Coffee

    ✨We have two time slots to let your artistic flare shine.

    All ages welcome, gingerbread decorating isn’t just for the kids !! Book now via the link below or visit the coffee shop 🧡

    Time: 3.30pm to 6.00pm
    Meeting point: The Nose Coffee, Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
    Leaders: The Nose Coffee
    (Car parking charge / Children must be accompanied by an adult / Full accessibility – level or ramped access. Accessible toilets available / Ideal for families and accompanied children / Partnership event / Please wear suitable boots and clothing / Refreshment stop, opportunity for refreshments / There is a charge for this event)
    Book tickets for Gingerbread Decorating Delight with Festive Foodies at Tegg’s Nose Country Park
  • Fri
    24
    Jan
    2025
    Sun
    26
    Jan
    2025

    Registration for the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 is now open!

    Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest garden wildlife survey in the world, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! Thousands of nature lovers will be counting birds from their gardens, balconies, parks and local green spaces over one weekend.

    It’s fun, free and will only take an hour, whenever it suits you, from Friday 24 – Sunday 26 January.

    Count me in

  • Thu
    10
    Jul
    2025
    Sun
    27
    Jul
    2025
    Buxton

    The award-winning Buxton International Festival is an annual celebration of world-class opera, music, books and jazz with over 160 events to choose from every summer.

    Here are five reasons to make Buxton your ‘go-to’ summer festival for 2025 (10-27 July).

     

    1. Buxton – the beautiful spa town sits in heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District, worth a visit in itself. All the festival’s events are within easy walking distance of each other.

     

    2. Operas GaloreIn 2024, Buxton staged five new operas in four days and was nominated for an International Opera Award.  2025 sees a yet more impressive plans:

    • Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet, conducted by Adrian Kelly with the Orchestra of Opera North
    • A double bill of Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Taihiti and Francis Poulenc’s La Voix Humaine, a Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre production
    • Opera Zuid production of Mozart’s The Impresario
    • La Descente d’Orphée aux Enfersa Vache Baroque production
    • Shorts – four brand new 20-minute operas by composers 

    Jasper Dommett, Martin Green and Carmel Smickersgill

     

    3. Jazz Weekender Tickets – Jazz Weekender tickets for just £175 offering 12 world-class gigs varying from jazz, blues, funk and Latin, plus an Oscar Peterson extravaganza. Stand-out artists include Ineza, Graham Clark Quartet, Emily Masser Quartet, Trio JDM, Baiana, Alan Barnes with an all-star band, Dean Stockdale Quartet, Emma Rawicz Quartet and Xhosa Cole Quartet.

     

    4. Books – 33 book talks including Diane Abbott MP, Baroness Lola Young, Petroc Trelawny, Ben Macintyre and Jonathan Sumption.

     

    5. Classical Music World-class concerts every day from artists including Steven Hough, Imogen Cooper, Benjamin Grosvenor, Tallis Scholars, English Concert, Simon Keenlyside and Sarah Connolly.

     

    Box Office – Tel 01298 2072190 

     

    Booking office opens at 10am on Tuesday 15 April 2025

    Become a BIF Friend for Priority Booking, from just £36 per year.

    Website – http://buxtonfestival.co.uk