Famous faces among highlights at Barnaby
BROA D C A S T E R Nick Robinson and TV astrophysicist Professor Brian Cox are among the highlights of the impressive line-up at this year’s Barnaby Festival.
Journalist and former BBC political editor Nick Robinson, who was born in Prestbury and is one of Macclesfield’s most famous faces, is making a return to the town to appear at the family festival of arts and culture, which runs from June 17 to 26.
He will give a talk Space for Debate on Friday, June 17, from 7.45pm to 9pm at King Edward Street Chapel. Nick will explore the debate around free speech and argue that the concept of a ‘safe space’, where referring to certain ideas is banned to avoid causing offence, is a threat to open debate.
Then on Saturday, June 18, people will have a chance to discuss influences, impartiality and political life with Nick at an event called In Conversation with Nick Robinson from 11am to 12.30pm at St Michael’s Church.
Organisers are also excited to announce that Professor Brian Cox will appear this year, at a Two Professors and the Universe event with Professor Tim O’Brien, associate director of Jodrell Bank, on Saturday, June 18, 2.30pm to 4pm at St Michael’s Church.
Karl Wallace, Barnaby director, said: “It’s an exciting year as we develop the festival.
“We are delighted to welcome home Nick Robinson, one of Macclesfield’s most famous faces who will host two events for us.
“To celebrate the theme of space and as part of our larger science programme we will be hosting an ‘in conversation’ event with Tim O’Brien and Brian Cox as one of our headline events.
“We have been planning this in secret for a while so it’s great to reveal this along with some of our other exciting events.”
Another famous Macclesfield resident, New Order drummer Stephen Morris, will appear at Barnaby’s music venue The Gimp Twister Music Lounge which will run all weekend from Friday, June 17 at St Michael’s churchyard.
Music highlights also include an exclusive double bill with John Bramwell, of rock band I Am Kloot, performing with is Sam Duckworth, formerly of the band Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, on Saturday, June 18, from 8.30pm to 11pm at St Michael’s Church.
To take part, email mail@ barnabyfestival. org.uk or visit barnabyfestival.org.uk. ●● FOR a full list of festival highlights see pages 22 and 23