There are so many festivals, concerts and country shows in and around Cheshire. Here’s Janet Reeder’s top ten.
Dogfest North
When? June 17th-18th
Where? Arley Hall, Northwich, CW9 6NA
Why visit? Dog owners, this is one festival where there is just no question about taking your best friend because it is designed especially for them. TV’s supervet Noel Fitzpatrick is the star attraction ( aside from the dogs of course) and from the Great Dog Walk to dog agility and more, there is plenty to keep both you and your pet pooch amused throughout the day.
Knutsford Music Festival
When? June 23rd-25th
Where? Various venues
Why go? Be in at the beginning. This will be the first music festival held in the town with the aim of celebrating local talent and bringing more visitors to the area. Expect a whole range of music from jazz and blues to choral and classical; the town centre will be alive with music for the weekend.
www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/knutsford-music-festival
Forest Live at Delamere Forest
When? June 30th-July 2nd
Where? Delamere Forest
Why visit? You can catch your favourite act amidst the beautiful scenery of Delamere Forest and do your bit for the environment. This summer series of concerts is held each year by the Forestry Commission to bring forests to new audiences, with the cash generated from ticket sales spent on protecting, improving and expanding England’s woodlands and increasing their value to people and wildlife. Plus, this year you can see headline acts Elbow, Tom Jones plus guests,and Rick Astley with special guest Rumer - Sunday 2 July.
Bluedot Festival
When? July 7th-9th
Where? Jodrell Bank Observatory, near Holmes Chapel, SK11 9DL
Why visit? It’s the thinking person’s festival - and the 40th anniversary of Star Wars. Celebrate with the themed activities including a Jedi training academy. The event fuses music, science, art and culture and includes a cosmic line-up of everything from Darth Vader, actor, Dave Prowse to stellar music acts like Orbital, The Pixies, Goldfrapp and Hawkwind and more.
Cholmondeley Castle Horse Trials
When? July 29th - July 30th
Where? Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, SY14 8AH
Why visit? Enjoy first rate equestrian action set against the backdrop of majestic Cholmondeley Castle, maybe go for a stroll in the beautiful gardens and picnic on produce from the castle farm shop.
Rewind Festival North
Where? Capesthorne Hall, Siddington, Cheshire, SK11 9JY
When? August 4th-6th
Why visit? To enjoy an 80s’ music vibe and see how well your music idols of yesteryear have aged over the decades. It’s a chance to dress to impress in your retro finery and enjoy the sounds of The Village People, Sister Sledge, Kim Wilde, T’Pau and more. There’ll be tributes to Bowie and Prince and Rusty Egan DJing. Glamping, posh nosh and a Friday social all add up to a weekend to remember.
Bakewell Baking Festival
Where? Bakewell Showground
When? August 12th-13th
Why visit? The spiritual home of baking is hanging out the bunting and balloons for a weekend of fun...and buns. Lined up to take to the stage are TV chef and Bake-off winner John Whaite, cooking legend Sophie Grigson, Masterchef’s Stacie Stewart and the wonderful first-ever Bake Off champion Edd Kimber.
www.bakewellbakingfestival.co.uk
Just So Festival
Where? Rode Hall Estate, Cheshire
When? August 18th-20th
Why visit? Billed as ‘a family weekend adventure beyond your wildest dreams’ Just So continues to delight with its mix of art, music, literature, comedy and theatre in a wondrous landscape of woodland clearings, rolling parkland, arboreal amphitheatres and lakeside spots in the Rode Hall Estate, Cheshire. Expect midnight feasts, curious creatures, raucous pillow fights, tasty food, boutique camping, a spellbound forest and plenty of magic.
Classic Ibiza
When? September 1st
Where? Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, CH3 9HQ
Why visit? This will be Cheshire’s biggest dance party of the summer full of great Ibiza anthems. A chill-out set in the first half will be followed by a half hour interval with DJ Goldierocks playing the latest Ibiza tunes.
As dusk falls, the lasers will hit the skyline as the Urban Soul Orchestra return to bring some of the best of the White Island’s dance tunes to orchestral life. It should be a night to remember! www.classicibiza.co.uk
FESTIVAL NO 6
Where? Portmeirion, Wales
When? September 7th-10th
Why visit? For the location and a luxury, bespoke banquet of music, arts and culture with this year’s headliners Flaming Lips, Mogwai and Bloc Party in the line-up.
Don’t forget...
June 14-18th
The Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show
www.bolesworthinternational.com
June 20th-21st
The Royal Cheshire County Show
June 30th-July 22nd
Wirral Festival of Firsts
July 26th
Nantwich Show
![Stephen Webb [Frank-N-Furter], Richard Meek [Brad], Haley Flaherty [Janet] & cast](/resources/images/128x89/1x/17679473.jpg)
![Stephen Webb [Frank-N-Furter], Richard Meek [Brad], Haley Flaherty [Janet] & cast](/resources/images/180x180/1x/17679473.jpg)
