Cheshire Life’s guide to the best events in and around the county this month. Compiled by Rebekka O’grady.
THEATRE & DANCE
1st – 3rd
Rock of Ages
All proceeds go to charity from this performance of the hit musical, which features classic 1980s rock songs from the likes of Bon Jovi and Whitesnake.
The Grange Theatre, Hartford, www.thegrangetheatre.com
7th – 10th
Perfect Pitch
An uneventful camping trip is turned on its head thanks to unruly neighbours, as retirees Ron and Yvonne find out.
Knutsford Little Theatre, 01565 633000
7th – 11th
Gangsta Granny
David Walliams’s best-selling story is brought to life in this colourful production. Ben thinks staying with granny will be boring, but what he doesn’t know is that she has a secret which results in an exciting adventure.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
7th – 17th
The Last Five Years
A heart-breaking and hilarious musical which tells the story of two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years together.
The Epstein Theatre, Liverpool, 0844 888 4411
9th
Arundhati Roy
Part of the Manchester Literature Festival’s spring previews, acclaimed Indian author Arundhati Roy will discuss her long-awaited second novel, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness.
Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, 0843 208 0500
9th
Gloriator
Presented by Cheshire Rural Touring Arts, this show reveals what happens when a glamorous French actress and her hapless assistant stage their version of Hollywood blockbuster, Gladiator.
Lion Salt Works, Northwich
www.spitzandco.com
14th – 15th
Stewart Lee
The comedian performs his first live show, Content Provider, in four years, after a successful run on television with Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle.
Buxton Opera House, 01298 72190
22nd
Seriously Dead
Actress and comedian Crissy Rock returns to the stage with a play set in the quiet town of Olwinskirk. One ordinary day, a chain of extraordinary events brings the lives of Betty, Albert, Billy and the local undertaker Tristan de Winter to an uncomfortable crossroads.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
23rd
The Carpenters Story
Celebrating the music of one of the most successful pop duos in music history, Richard and Karen Carpenter.
Crewe Lyceum Theatre, 01270 368 242
30th
Macbeth
Enjoy a comedic take on the Shakespearean classic thanks to touring company, Oddsocks. Expect over-the-top costumes and drama in the auditorium as part of Gawsworth’s summer series.
Gawsworth Hall, 01260 223456
MUSIC & CONCERTS
4th
The Hallé and the BBC Philharmonic
Combining forces, this concert will feature an all-star vocal line up and massive choral forces, plus a rare performance of Schoenberg’s gigantic Gurrelieder.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
8th
The High Kings
Playing 13 instruments between the four of them, this accomplished Irish folk band will perform new songs as well as some old favourites.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
17th
Magic of Motown
Celebrate the sound of Motown with 40 back-to-back classic hits, glittering costume changes and dazzling dance moves.
Waterside Arts Centre, Sale, 0161 912 5616
18th
Elton John
The legendary singer/songwriter is performing around the UK with his band for his Wonderful Crazy Night tour.
Select Security Stadium, Widnes, 0151 510 6000
22nd
Leyland Band
One of the most sought-after brass ensembles on the concert platform, Leyland Band tour regularly around the UK and will perform in Grappenhall.
St. Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall, 01925 263183
25th
Celine Dion
Canadian music icon takes a break from her Las Vegas residency to tour her greatest hits.
Manchester Arena, 0844 847 8000
28th
Sandbach Concert Series
The Amy Roberts/Richard Exall Quintet perform at the June concert. Their repertoire is drawn from a wealth of experience encompassing a vast range of jazz styles and periods. Includes spotlight concert by local young musicians, art exhibition and charity raffle.
St Mary’s Church Hall, Sandbach, 01270 111111
30th
Elbow
The band will be performing in a spectacular woodland setting as part of the summer concert series promoted by the Forestry Commission.
Delamere Forest, near Northwich, 03000 680400
COUNTY DAYS OUT & CHARITY EVENTS
2nd – 3rd
Big Church Day Out
The Big Church Day Out draws together tens of thousands of Christians from all over the UK and Europe to worship and celebrate all that is good. Visit for two days of discovery and enjoyment you’ll never forget.
Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, www.capesthorne.com
9th – 11th
All Wales Boat Show 2017
The All Wales Boat Show 2017 takes place at Conwy Quays Marina in the stunning Castle Town of Conwy. Discover a huge range of exhibitors, show events and ‘have a go’ sessions.
Conwy Quays Marina www.allwalesboatshow.com 01248 717903
10th
Grand Auction
Find everything for all budgets, from collectibles and comics to art and ceramics.
St. Mary’s Community Hall, Warrington, 01942 606757
10th
Burton Village Summer Festival
The annual event returns and this year there will also be a WWII Lancaster Flypast. Expect stalls, entertainment, refreshments and classic cars.
Gladstone Village Hall, Burton, www.gladstonevillagehall.org.uk
14th – 18th
Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show
This is one of the UK’s most high profile showjumping events. It offers a wide range of entertainment alongside top international riders and Olympic medallists. Primary schools are also invited to the free educational and fun Schools’ Day on the 15th.
Bolesworth Castle, 01829 307676
16th – 18th
Middlewich FAB Festival
The Lightning Seeds will headline the music and canal festival on the Friday, followed by a free concert on Saturday. There will also be a narrowboat rally, food stalls, street theatre and parades through the town.
Middlewich, www.middlewich.org.uk/middlewich-fab-festival
17th
Summer Arts Market
The North West’s biggest arts, craft and design market will feature the creative work of over 200 of the region’s best artists, designers and makers. Thousands of items will be exhibited and on sale, alongside a pop-up vintage fair and food fair.
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral www.summerartsmarket.com
20th – 21st
Royal Cheshire County Show
The annual agricultural show returns with competition classes for cattle, sheep, pigs and dairy goats, as well as show jumping, a dog show and the enticing food hall. The main ring will have a varied entertainment programme.
Tabley Showground, 01565 650 200
From 23rd
Portraying a Nation: Germany 1919 – 1933
This exhibition showcases painter Otto Dix and photographer August Sander; artists who captured and documented the radical extremes of German society in the pivotal inter-war years of the Weimar Republic.
Tate Liverpool, 0151 702 7400
24th-25th
Summer Family Funfair
This year’s festivities shall have a special emphasis as being a multi-cultural event, to bring everyone in the Cheshire and Greater Manchester community together in further supporting WeLoveMcr emergency fund, with many family attractions including fairground rides, entertainment, stalls, games, food, health & wellness - something for everyone.#
Hale Barns Meadow, Hale Barns, 1-5pm, with free entry and parking.
www.facebook.com/halebarnsmeadow
24th
Arley Garden Festival
You’ll be in awe of the displays in the Floral Marquee and could pick up some specialist plants and garden accessories. There will be Gardener’s Question Time sessions and guided tours of the gardens with Lord Ashbrook and head gardener, Gordon Baillie.
Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich, 01565 777 353
24th-25th
Kelsall Steam and Vintage Rally
One of the largest displays of commercial vehicles in the country, this action-packed weekend includes lawn mower racing, donkey rides, Robert’s Bakery Brass Band and falconry display.
Churches View Farm, Chester, www.kelsallsteamrally.co.uk
24th-25th
North West Audio Show 2017
The very besy in Hi-fi and Audio in beautiful surroundings with live music.
Cranage Hall, www.audioshow.co.uk
Throughout June
Sub Zero Challenge
A new offer by Chill Factore enables visitors to experience a whole range of snow activities all in one day. Activities include Sledge Build, Igloo Build and a Toboggan Luge Relay Race.
Chill Factore 0161 413 2010
OUR FAB FOUR
3rd-4th
Parkgatefest
Organised by local residents and traders, this festival celebrates the uniqueness and heritage of Parkgate. Over two days, visitors can enjoy live music, classic cars and steam engines, a children’s entertainment area plus a champagne, beer and gin marquee and street food stalls.
Marsh Nurseries, Parkgate, www.parkgatefest.co.uk
8th
Lyceum Ghost Hunt
Dare to explore the heights and depths of one of the most haunted buildings in Cheshire. Find out for yourself who or what roams the beautiful Edwardian theatre at night and hear more about its history and inexplicable happenings with the Haunted Houses team.
Crewe Lyceum, 01270 508789
From 9th
Midsummer Night’s Dream
One of Shakespeare’s most celebrated plays directed by Storyhouse’s Alex Clifton. On midsummer night, four young lovers flee Athens and lose themselves in woodland wilderness, falling under the spell of the outrageous and unpredictable fairy king and queen and magical world.
Storyhouse, Chester, 0845 241 7868
17th
Dogfest
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, Channel 4’s Supervet, hosts DogFest and offers dogs and their owners a fun-filled weekend. This year has an action-packed line-up including agility sessions, dog diving and training, plus grooming sessions for pampered pooches and gifts and treats galore.
Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich, 01565 777 353
