Such a lot has happened since the Barnaby Festival weekend in June.

We hope that everyone is safe and well and has had a chance to have a holiday before we all head back to school. This new term there is a lot going on at Barnaby, so here is an update and some reminders of the fun we had in the summer, despite these being the strangest of times.

Thanks to Arts Council England emergency funding, we are developing a digital platform so that we can carry on Seeing Barnaby Differently in the new normal. Working with FutureEverything and artists at 27B studio, and linked to our website, the platform will celebrate the creative communities of Macclesfield, showcase artistic commissions, online events and activities created by Barnaby and our friends and partners. It will launch in October so watch this space for more info – and get in touch if you want to know more or be involved via visualarts@barnabyfestival.org.uk

Nearly 2,000 people took part in the Watch Party for the Barnaby Homemade Parade on Saturday 21 June, joining the 500 parade makers on the facebook group. We’re delighted to release the video which captures some of the amazing ‘floats’ and decorations and the moving, inspirational visions that you created when at home parading. Click here (hankies at the ready)

We are crossing all our fingers and toes that next year we can bring the town back together again in person as well as online for Barnaby Festival. Save the dates – 19 – 21 June 2021 – in your calendar now and we will see you there!

Before then we welcome the return of Treacle Market in a safe and sensible (but still fun) way this Bank Holiday weekend. It’s very exciting to see the town coming back to life as all our lovely independent businesses and cultural spaces are opening up.

Finally, don’t forget you can still take part in workshop activities and listen and watch again all the video content from the Barnaby Festival events so far this year from the website.

Have a great Bank Holiday weekend
The Barnaby Team