Barnaby Festival

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
Artist Zarah Hussain

Barnaby Festival at Macclesfield Town Hall, Cheshire 15 — 24 June 2018 Entrance is free

Macclesfield’s biennial festival of art, music, theatre, talks, walks, debate, comedy and more celebrates the creative energy and flair of this Cheshire market town, once the world’s biggest producer of finished silk.

Featuring a positive maelstrom of local and national talent and located in venues including the historic Silk Museum, expect a live music line-up and immersive and exciting experiences for all ages. The Barnaby Big Weekend is where it’s at for families with a cornucopia of street theatre, storytelling and The Barnaby Parade.

Arbor at Barnaby Festival
Arbor at Barnaby Festival

We love the range of unique experiences that this festival offers, from literary talks to fun-loving trails via DJ sets in the churchyard. Macc is most definitely back.

Keep an eye on the festival’s website via the button below for the latest word on what’s on as part of its next instalment.

Barnaby Festival at Macclesfield Town Hall, Cheshire 15 — 24 June 2018 Entrance is free

Where to go near Barnaby Festival

 Patrick, SpongeBob and Squidward at the UK's only Nickelodeon Land.
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Nickelodeon Land

Combine the thrill of an amusement park with the colourful world of Nickelodeon at the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, located within Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

Leeds
Restaurant
Archive

Archive serving up speciality coffee and bespoke events to the people of Kirkstall, including craft fairs, vintage pop ups and exhibitions.

Ego Death
Manchester
Restaurant
Ego Death

Ego Death is a speakeasy-style secret bar in the Northern Quarter with a cocktail menu as good as its atmosphere.

Flat Iron Leeds
Manchester
Restaurant
Flat Iron Manchester

Relaxed restaurant in the centre of Manchester, serving impressively high-quality steaks at an affordable price point.

hotel2
Hotel
Hilton Liverpool

The riverside location of Hilton Liverpool makes it one of the most centrally placed hotels in the city, close to the all attractions, big and small.

hotel
Baltic Triangle
Hotel
Maldron Hotel

The Maldron Hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Baltic Triangle and offers comfortable stays and luxurious breakfasts.

hotel4
Liverpool
Hotel
The Halyard

The Halyard is one of Liverpool’s newest hotels, with top floor suites offering sweeping views of the city and delicious treats in the restaurant.

shop
Liverpool
Shop
COW Liverpool

Cow Liverpool is one of the city’s favourite vintage shops, with clothing, accessories and homeware in a spacious shop on Bold Street.

Liverpool
Shop
Pop Boutique Liverpool

Pop Boutique houses Vintage, clothing, homeware and vinyl. This bold street shop is in the centre of the ropewalks area of Liverpool which is fast becoming the indie centre of Liverpool.

What's on: Families

Two young visitors looking up at a banner in a case, holding pencils and an activity sheet.
Until
ActivityManchester
2025 Banner Bingo at PHM

Explore the People’s History Museum with your banner bingo card in hand as you navigate their galleries through the lens of craftivism.

free entry
The Dragon Parade, Chinatown Celebrations and Fireworks
FamiliesChinatown
The Dragon Parade

The dazzling 175-foot dragon is back for Manchester’s 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations, joined by Chinese Opera performers, 12 Zodiac animals and ancient army characters.

free entry

Culture Guides

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

Olaf Falafel
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.