Festival fans go out on parade – at home
HUNDREDS of people enjoyed all the colour of one of Macclesfield’s major events - but in an online virtual version.
Barnaby Festival took place digitally on Saturday and Sunday and featured a homemade parade where people dressed up and decorated their gardens and houses.
It was launched, as is tradition, by Mayor of Macclesfield Janet Jackson with a film clip from home.
And there was a further film featuring community groups and artists including Sambamba band, the Chinese Marbles, Apple Dance, Sylk Dance Academy and Dance Addicts.
People across the town and beyond joined in with the festival, which had a theme of vision.
Neil Puttick, who organised the homemade parade, said: “Macclesfield should be very proud. It was so inspiring to see people coming together virtually to participate in a great Macclesfield tradition.
“The effort that people went to was fantastic, whether that was performing music, dancing or creating banners and decorations. It really showed that there is great community spirit here.
“I would also like to thank the makers who all took time to film videos showing us how to create things for the parade.”
A film showing the homemade parade will be created from people’s clips and images and will be on the Barnaby Festival website soon. The virtual programme also saw people show off their dance moves for Disco-In Furlough.
Marc Jackson hosted two special comic drawing workshops, which were streamed live for free.
The art commission, Our Future is Ancient, did not go ahead as planned because of police restrictions on accessing Macclesfield Forest, where it was being created, coming into place.
It is hoped this will take place later in the year and in its place there was a live question and answer session with artist Simon Buckley.
Abi Gilmore, co-chair of
Barnaby Festival, said: “Residents of Macclesfield have shown us the energy and creative spirit that they have, which is so uplifting. A really big Barnaby thank you to all those who took part.”
Organisers ask those who took part to fill in a short survey on the Barnaby Festival website.