Audlem Festival

The Audlem Festival began in 2000 as an idea by then resident Paul Moran. Paul had moved to Audlem for some peace and quiet having lived in inner-city Manchester for the last 30 years.

Paul was amazed that such a small village had so many talented and in many cases full-time professional musicians and artists. He decided that the Audlem Carnival should join with musicians and artists to form a weekend of great music and art exhibitions combined. A team was assembled, and Paul along with Ralph Warburton, Lorraine Parker and local artist Annabel Thornton set about creating a festival.

Since 2000 the whole project has developed into an annual treat for music and art lovers across the country, and festival attendance continues to grow.

The 2011 Festival saw 62 music and arts events in venues throughout Audlem and the Audlem Festival is now recognised as one of the finest free events in Cheshire attracting national, regional and local performers and large appreciative audiences.

2011 Audlem Festival Review from Audlem Online

It's been an amazing weekend with music and entertainment to suit virtually all tastes. Crowds have flocked in and many visitors have travelled from afar to enjoy a Festival whose reputation grows year by year.

Big bands on national tours came and performed and seemed delighted by their reception - the likes of The Travelling Band and the reads seemed to be selling albums like hot cakes after superb performances - and both CDs are well worth the money. Local bands, singers and musicians of all ages also showed the depth of local talent.

Favourites

Emerging artists were on stage, possibly for the first time, while long-time favourites were welcomed back like old friends with rapturous applause.

Others showed a remarkable sense of timing. Who, we wondered, arranged for the police car to race through Audlem, siren blaring yesterday - just minutes before the Sound of the Sirenstook to the stage? And the village even gained a poet tree!

Venues

Venues throughout the village hosted events. The Art Exhibition in the Methodist Hall was outstanding - we plan to try and play some of the videos of village life soon on Audlem Online - while music of the highest quality was on offer wherever you went - pubs, churches, halls, shops and, of course, the legendary Blues Alley which saw outstanding performers, even in yesterday's rain.

Of course, the weather wasn't particularly kind, especially to the Carnival. Indeed, yesterday's rain and cold was the worst since, well, lots of other Bank Holidays. Despite that, the crowds were out, albeit many were soon inside somewhere drier with a glass in hand.

Planning

It's been a prodigious effort by the Festival committee. They've planned the event for many months, and overcome some unexpected last-minute twists and complications, but pulled off an undoubted success, the busiest ever Festival.

The team, including technicians that worked tirelessly throughout the weekend, and will be clearing up today, have once again provided a free festival which must be the envy of communities throughout the land.

Money

Local businesses put up the money to help the Festival committee make it happen. Hopefully, they've well and truly seen the benefit.

And a big round of applause for the bar staff. They were working flat out for many, many hours, yet the service was friendly and efficient.

Bravura

The Festival finished as tradition demands, with a bravura performance by The Johnny MIller All Stars. Brilliant sax and Johnny's trademark numbers to the fore. Who, though, who was there will ever forget the duelling guitars of Jim Kirkpatrick and Dan Machin as they battled for supremacy and segued into a Shadows-esque finale. Musicianship at its finest and fantastic fun for all.

It was a weekend to remember. Many thanks to all involved. You made it an amazing party.

Festival Committee

• Ralph Warburton (chairman)
• Allan & Jo Brown
• Al Dean
• John Gunstone
• Julian Harrison
• Ian Haughey
• Pete Marshall
• Reuben Palin
  
   

This page was last checked in September 2011. If it‘s no longer accurate, please contact us so we can keep our pages up to date.