Audlem Music & Arts Festival

Audlem Music & Arts Festival
May 26th to May 30th

This wonderful annual event – now in its 16th year – takes place over the Whitsun weekend at the end of May.

We began planning for this year's programme way back in October – with a commitment by all the team of just 12 dedicated volunteers to carry on!

The first steps were to seek the agreement of the main venues – the three pubs – that they wished to be on board. Then began the drive to identify the sources of revenue and sponsorship.

Beginning in January, we set out with our appeal to all the local businesses and a sprinkling of those outside Audlem. A long task, seeking to raise enough funds to be able to put on the show to our best ability.

I am delighted to report that the response once again has been tremendous, with so many committed people believing in us and in the Festival – which is the biggest free event of its kind in all of Cheshire, and perhaps also in Staffordshire.

The very welcome grant from Audlem Parish Council, giving their total support once again to this huge Audlem Event. Also the support of Cheshire East Council. Big, big sponsorship from the business world and from more or less every trades person and business here in the village is so very rewarding and yet another fine and visible example of the great community spirit we so happily enjoy here. A small village with a very big heart.

Now we are at the stage of having booked some 85 plus performances, from solos to bands. From classical to hard rock and all other genres in between – and with a choral day in the magnificent setting of St James Church with ages ranging from 7 to 70 plus.

Poetry to please the ear and the soul with the very popular Poetry Slam on 26th May at The Bridge. Plus poetry sessions presented in the village over the long weekend.

A super Arts Exhibition in the Methodist Church Hall featuring local artists and those far afield in every genre.

Local traders help us in setting up the stages and the Arts boards. So willingly too.

So, we kick off on Thursday 26th. With music and the poetry in the three pubs and a quarter peal of bells by our superb campanologists. And then full speed to put it all together for the enjoyment of all. Local residents. Visitors. Tourists et al. The Canal will be alive with boats. We have camping facilities on offer – with thanks to a local farmer.

Music will fill the air from the Scout Hall; the Courtyard at number 11 Cheshire Street; the Church; Blues Alley; The Lord Combermere, the Bridge Inn and the Shroppie Fly.

The Festival finishes on Monday 30th May with the Carnival and a big send off in the Shroppie, the Bridge Inn and The Lord Combermere.

And all of this is totally free to all comers.
We hope everyone will find it a good event.

Check it all out on the Festival web site by clicking here.

Ralph Warburton on behalf of the Festival Team.

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