Our guide to the best events in and around Cheshire
THEATRE & DANCE
8th-10th Death Toll
In a desolate Scottish hunting lodge, a famous playwright and his wife await the arrival of a charismatic young actor desperate to secure his next role. A seemingly innocent, though macabre audition leads to an evening of twists, turns and eventually murder.
The Lyceum Theatre, Crewe, 01270 368242
11th Oklahoma! In concert
Tip Top Productions presents the first Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration and one of the most produced musicals in America. Laurey is a headstrong farm girl who doesn’t want to fall willingly into the arms of the handsome cowboy, Curly. In her attempts to avoid him, she ends up turning to the dark-hearted farm hand, Jud Fry who wants to do more than take her to the dance.
The Forum Studio Theatre, Chester, 01244 341296
19th-27th Sunny Afternoon
Featuring some of The Kinks’ best-loved songs and set against the backdrop of a Britain caught mid-swing between the conservative 50s and riotous 60s, this production explores the euphoric highs and agonising lows of one of Britain’s most iconic bands.
The Opera House, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
27th
Danny the Champion of the World
Illyria outdoor theatre company present this terrific and enthusiastic performance of a Roald Dahl classic. Watch Danny as he masterminds the most incredible and exciting plot to save his dad from danger.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
27th Ratburger
Our heroine Zoe has a profound love of animals and a dream of travelling the world that keeps her going as she copes with her disgusting neighbours, her recently unemployed dad, and the menacing Burt (of Burt’s Burgers) who is after Zoe and her pet rat.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, 0161 941 1025
Until 29th
The New Adventures of Captain Pool and his Mersey Mariners
A fun-packed and activity filled event promising to make ship-shape sailors of those who are a little green around the gills. Captain Pool meets pirates who want to steal his ship and look for faraway treasure, but help is at hand in the shape of a mythical mermaid and then they have to navigate back to Liverpool and safety.
St George’s Hall, Liverpool, 0844 800 0410
29th Dotty the Dragon
A fantastic new outdoor show brought to life by acclaimed Blunderbus Theatre, this big-hearted tale of true friendship is told with magical songs, enchanting music and exquisite puppetry.
Adlington Hall, Macclesfield, 01625 827595
29th-September 3rd
Sister Act
Broadway and West End smash hit musical comedy Sister Act returns to the UK with a brand new production directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3018
MUSIC & CONCERTS
5th-7th
Rewind Music Festival
The third Rewind North 80s Music Festival offers true connoisseurs of 80s music the best two day line-up of iconic recording artists and performers. Headliners include Hazell Dean, Adam Ant alongside Marc Almond, UB40, Rick Astley, Nik Kershaw, Jason Donovan and more.
Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, www.rewindfestival.com
11th-14th
Betley Concerts
Rock legend Bryan Adams is to headline an extra night at the Cheshire countryside music festival on Thursday August 11th. Will Young headlines on Friday, Signal Radio host an afternoon of live music from a selection of current and popular artists and Simply Red complete the line-up, headlining on Sunday.
Betley Court Farm, www.ticketline.co.uk
11th
A Musical Journey Through Time
A light-hearted history of popular music with local musicians John and Ailsa Booth. A whistle-stop tour through several centuries up to the present day, with musical excerpts using instruments such as a lute, mandolin and psaltery.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
20th
The ABBA Reunion Tribute Show
This show gives ABBA fans old and new the opportunity to get together and re-live the addictive phenomena that swept the airwaves and discos during the 70s and 80s, in a truly feel-good, party-style concert.
Gawsworth Hall, Macclesfield, 01260 223456
27th The Undertones
The 40th anniversary year of The Undertones – five friends from Derry who learned how to play rock and roll, sees the band on tour with live shows and some exciting releases.
Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, 0115 896 0163
26th-29th
Folk Festival on the Dock
A brand new music festival for Liverpool showcasing the very best in folk, acoustic and roots music.
Albert Dock, Liverpool, www.albertdock.com
COUNTY DAYS OUT & CHARITY EVENTS
6th
Liverpool Loves
Feel-good festival celebrating and promoting the best of Liverpool under the themes of culture, food and wellbeing. Held over three days it starts on Thursday with Liverpool Loves Business, continues on Friday with Liverpool Loves Nightlife and culminates in a Liverpool Loves Festival Day on Saturday.
For more information visit www.liverpoolloves.co.uk
6th-7th
Kidzfest Live
Two action packed days of entertainment for the whole family featuring a massive list of attractions including stars from CBBC, Live shows, bands, Character Greetings, Fun Fair, Trade Stands, Festival Circus and more and all supporting the children’s charity Brainwave.
Royal Cheshire Showground, Tabley, 0844 414 5340
7th
Volkswagon North west Car Show
The largest gathering of Volkswagons, both air and water-cooled in the north of England, from beetles to Golfs, beach buggies to campervans.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
13th
Northwich Artisan Market
With over 100 of the finest food, drink, art and craft stall holders, music, entertainment and activities, the market is a popular event.
Northwich Town Centre, 07879 684184
13th-14th
Astle Park Traction Engine Rally
One of the leading outdoor shows in South Cheshire. Set in magnificent parkland and centrally located, this iconic event attracts a large annual following. The spectacular Saturday night firework display is one of the highlights of the weekend. Performing in the main arena will be the Inch Perfect Trials Team. The daredevil motorcycle display consists of massive jumps up vertical walls, breath-taking ‘drop offs’, a full range of freestyle tricks
Chelford, 01751 200839
20th-21st
Passion for Power Classic Motor Show
Around 2,000 classic cars, top car club displays, autojumble and general trade stands as well as the Passion for Power Dream Cars pavilion with the finest high performance, competition and super cars.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
21st Plant Hunters’ Fair
A great plant fair featuring highly respected specialist nurseries with a great mix of plants to delight plant lovers of all experience at a time when the gardens reach their peak.
Abbeywood Gardens, Delamere, www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
27th Poynton Show
Fun for all the family including a motorcycle aerobatic stunts and floorshow display.
Poynton Showground, 01625 872065
28th-29th
Plant Hunters’ Fair
One of the best loved garden events wooing visitors with a winning line of the best nurseries in a most charming and beautiful garden with a truly relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
The Dorothy Clive Garden, Willoughbridge, www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
OUR FAB FOUR
7th
An Evening of Summer Opera
Belle Voci present an evening of summer opera – a black tie optional event with fizz on arrival and light opera and musical theatre between four courses.
Piste Restaurant, Tarporley, www.bellle-voci.com
9th-10th
The Railway Children
New production of this classic tale capturing the excitement and emotion of Nesbit’s classic tale and aims to bring the delights of this literary classic to a new generation.
The Lyceum Theatre, Crewe, 01270 368242
14th
Fun Dog Show at the Farm
Ten novelty classes including those for the saddest eyes, waggiest tail and scruffiest dog, plus a fun agility course.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, 01625 374400
27th-29th
Cheshire Game and Country Fair
A three day extravaganza over the August bank holiday and a fantastic day out for you and your family.
Cheshire Showground, Tabley, 01283 820548