Roots (and routes) growing for Barnaby 2018

Whether it’s a glint in the eye or a more concrete concept, involves a tiny exhibition or an outrageously audacious event, Barnaby Festival wants to meet you. The next festival runs from Friday 15 to Sunday 24 June 2018 on the theme ‘Roots/Routes’ and organisers are bringing people together to start growing ideas now.

Some of Barnaby’s best events have been collaborations. Ideas often emerge from conversations between people who don’t usually come into contact with one another.  The meeting on Thursday 26 January, 8pm at St Michael’s Church, Market Place, Macclesfield will focus on how to make that magic happen!

All those who want to get actively involved in developing an idea are welcome said Festival Director, Karl Wallace: “We want Macclesfield’s artists, performers, scientists, creatives, thinkers, entrepreneurs and big hearted folk to come along. We’re open to quirky ideas and emerging thoughts as well as more formal proposals. Anyone who wants to float an idea, create an event or explore a collaboration for the festival is welcome”.

 The small but hugely popular Yardens Project at last year’s festival in the shared yard of ROAR (Reach Out And Recover) shows what bringing people together can achieve. Their tiny outdoor space was transformed into a fruitful haven in a collaboration between Caring Together, artist and forager James Wood, ROAR residents, Barnaby volunteers and gardening enthusiasts.  The connections made through that process continue to bear fruit, supporting residents in their recovery.

 The Festival also wants to extend its reach and bring in people who’ve stayed away until now, Karl explained. “If you’ve been part of the festival before we look forward to seeing you – but why not bring along someone who hasn’t.  If you think Barnaby should be doing something differently, be part of the conversation to make that change. If you’ve been waiting for your moment, maybe this is it!” 

 The 26th January meeting is the first step of an open process of generating ideas for Barnaby 2018. It’s hoped that this early start to the conversation will allow time to explore and experiment. A timetable for developing and submitting proposals will follow.

The Barnaby programme will include dozens of events, exhibitions, activities and experiences over ten days. The Festival is already working with ten invited artists and performers as part of a research and development project funded by Arts Council England. These include international creator of live artworks, Luke Jerram, Mancunian story teller Jan Blake, digital artist Laurence Payot and Macclesfield carnival artist John Hartshorn. The remaining names will be announced shortly.

For further details about getting involved contact mail@barnabyfestival.org.uk or visit www.barnabyfestival.org.uk