Macclesfield Barnaby Festival

There has been a Barnaby Fair since the 13th century, when Macclesfield was granted a Borough Charter. Since then, the annual celebration has changed in line with the town’s own fortunes – from festivals and fairs, parades, circuses and carnivals, to mill and school shut-downs and seaside excursions.

In recent years, this great local tradition has all but died out. Now we’re bringing it back. Barnaby is being reinvented as a festival of arts, culture and fun, showcasing the town’s diverse creative talent in a series of inspiring events, rooted in Macclesfield’s history.

The idea of an arts festival for Macclesfield was first floated in Spring 2009.  A group of like-minded folk was brought together by 'the loop' in the historic setting of the Castle pub.  Conversations continued around various kitchen tables throughout the summer and culminated in an open meeting in September where Barnaby 2010 was born.  With naïve enthusiasm and dogged determination the hugely talented team has toiled to turn our vision into reality.  

For one summer weekend, the whole town will come to life with arts events, music and performances in historic buildings and open spaces around the town centre. Barnaby 2010 is a chance to celebrate our heritage, and for new visitors to experience the true character of this great silk town. It’s going to be fun. And with your support, it will hopefully be the first of many, marking the beginning of a reversal in Macc’s fortunes. 

Lynne Jones, Jane Munro, Ian Musgrave, Nicholas Smith and the whole Barnaby team.