Cheshire Life’s guide to the best events in and around the county this month. Compiled by Rebekka O’Grady.
THEATRE & DANCE
1st - 22nd
Fatherland
Created by Frantic Assembly’s Scott Graham, Karl Hyde from Underworld and playwright Simon Stephens, Fatherland is a bold, ambitious show about contemporary fatherhood in all its complexities and contradictions.
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 0161 833 9833
2nd
Pride and Prejudice
Take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to meet Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen’s most loveable heroine, in this open-air performance. The new adaptation also celebrates the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death.
Gawsworth Hall Garden Theatre, Macclesfield, www.chapterhouse.org
3rd - 5th
Strictly Murder
It’s April in 1939, and an English couple, Peter and Suzy, are living in Provence in idyllic isolation. However their peace is shattered from within when Suzy discovers she has been betrayed; Peter is not the man he claims to be.
Crewe Lyceum, 01270 368242
8th
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Part of Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s open-air garden theatre tour, be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests and meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and hilarious travelling players in this Shakespearian classic.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, www.chapterhouse.org
13th - 15th, 20th - 22nd
As You Like It
Local amateur company, Alsager Community Theatre, perform Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy in the courtyard of the beautiful Elizabethan venue, Little Moreton Hall. Audience members can picnic on the lawns beforehand and there is a marquee for performances in the event of wet weather.
Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, 01260 276165
16th
Il Ballo è Vita
Watch Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice shake and salsa on his UK tour. He will be joined by Strictly troupe dancer Luba Mushtuk and a team of fellow dancing professionals from the show, which has been directed and choreographed by BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing creative director, Jason Gilkison.
Stockport Plaza, 0161 477 7779
24th - 29th
Sister Act
An all new production of the Broadway and West End smash hit musical comedy, starring Alexandra Burke and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.
Palace Theatre, Manchester, 0844 871 3019
27th - 30th
Peter Pan
A magical production and musical adaptation of J. M Barrie’s timeless classic, starring Janet Cowley. Young actors from Cheshire will also be on stage to support the cast, under the direction of composer and producer, Anne Dalton.
The Brindley, Runcorn, 0151 907 8360
28th
Rhythm of the Dance
Featuring world champion dancers, a traditional Irish band, Young Irish Tenors and a talented supporting cast, this is a performance that has wowed audiences across the world.
Crewe Lyceum, 01270 368242
29th
Milkshake! Live
Family favourite Milkshake! Live returns with a brand new show, The Magic Story Book. Set inside Milkshake’s magical bookcase, children will see all their favourite characters sing songs and share stories.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
MUSIC & CONCERTS
1st
Tom Jones
The living legend has announced a concert as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission where acts perform in spectacular woodland locations across the country.
Delamere Forest, Northwich, 03000 680400
6th - 8th
RNCM StudentFest
RNCM students take over the College to present a jam-packed programme of events. Every single element of this event has been planned and managed by the students – from programming to marketing to event management, and it will feature a diverse spectrum of musical concepts.
Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, www.rncm.ac.uk
7th – 9th
Bluedot Festival
After a hugely successful inaugural event last summer, Bluedot returns with headliners Alt-J, Pixies and Orbital. There’s a programme of exciting performances from across the musical spectrum, spectacular scientific happenings and a mind-expanding programme of arts and culture. Suitable for all ages.
Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield, www.discoverthebluedot.com
8th
O for the Wings of a Dove
Frodsham and District Choral Society present their latest concert, which will feature soprano Jennifer Rust.
St Laurence’s Church, Frodsham, www.fdcs.org.uk
15th
Alsager Music Festival
The festival returns with a huge line-up of live music that includes headliners UK Björn, an Alsager-based Abba tribute, and local bands Release and Bonsai and The Helsby Mountain String Band. There will be four stages, live music in several pubs and a dance stage alongside food, ales and activities.
Milton Park, Alsager, www.alsagermusicfestival.co.uk
15th
Summertime Festival
The best of blues festival will be headlined by Joanne Shaw Taylor, a blues/rock sensation currently taking the world by storm. Also on the bill will be Stevie Nimmo, Bad Touch, and Xander and the Peace Pirates.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
16th
Last Night of the Hallé Proms
To bring their summer season to a close, the Hallé will celebrate in traditional style with this annual and ever popular event.
The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 0161 907 9000
22nd
The Illegal Eagles
Often acclaimed as the world’s official no.1 Eagles tribute, the band return to the stage for their special 20th anniversary tour and will perform all of the classic Eagles hits including Hotel California and Take It Easy.
Crewe Lyceum, 01270 368242
22nd
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel’s
Rock icon and original Cockney Rebel Steve Harley is back on tour. Harley, who has written and recorded 11 albums in a prolific career spanning four decades, recently returned to the public eye for re-releasing former number one hit, Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me), following the tragic murder of MP Jo Cox.
Parr Hall, Warrington, 01925 442345
DAYS OUT & CHARITY EVENTS
June 29th - July 16th
Manchester International Festival
Staged every two years, the world’s first festival of original, new work and special events returns. Expect a spectrum of performing arts, visual arts , music and popular culture staged around the city in theatres, galleries and concert halls to railway depots, churches and car parks.
Manchester, www.mif.co.uk
8th - 9th
TrAction in Crewe
This event celebrates the local history of transport, travel and motion. Experience amazing flying astronauts, free runners and inspirational arts and performance activities, as well as hundreds of exclusive cars and motorbikes around the town centre.
Market Street, Crewe, www.facebook.com/TrActionCrewe
9th
Plant Hunters’ Fair
This plant fair features a range of highly respected specialist nurseries and a great mix of plants and specialities. There is also plenty to see and enjoy in the six acres of gardens, which are divided into separate garden areas each with its own distinctive character and themed planting.
Abbeywood Gardens, Delamere, www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
14th - 16th
Foodies Festival
Foodie fans can look forward to a celebrity and Michelin-starred chef line-up at this year’s festival, as well as tasty delights on Street Food Avenue, an Artisan Producers’ Market, Kids’ Zone and Kids’ Cookery School, plus live music, restaurant tents and pop-up bars.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, www.foodiesfestival.com
20th
Wilmslow Antiques Valuation Day
Dig out any hidden treasures and antiques at home and come along for a free valuation from experts from Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers, in return for a donation to Francis House Children’s Hospice.
The Coach & Four, Wilmslow, www.francishouse.org.uk
21st - 30th
Refract:17
This new ten day summer programme is bursting with experiential performance, music and events to challenge visitors of all ages to see things differently. Highlights include performances inside a giant bird’s nest and inspirational theatre on a trampoline, thought-provoking shows inside a static caravan and interactive gaming on a mega scale.
Sale Waterside Arts Centre, 0161 912 5616
23rd
A Sanctuary for the Soul
Relax at this Ladies’ Day Retreat in aid of the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. Enjoy activities such as pilates, meditation and workshops while raising money for a local charity. Clinic Equilibrium, Bowdon, www.clinicequilibrium.com
23rd
Carden Party
The ultimate Garden Party set on Cheshire’s Country Estate spanning over 1000 acres. You can look forward to a whole days’ worth of family entertainment with live music, inflatable lawn games, outdoor bar, market stalls, Hog Roast and a huge 24 foot outdoor cinema.
Free Entry
Carden Park 01829 731007 www.cardenpark.co.uk
23rd - 1st September
Dinosaurs at Carden Park
Carden Park are going Jurassic crazy this Summer with a full list of amazing activities running from 10 and 2 every day. Activities include Mega Monsters whichs includes the high Kong Ropes, Mega Ziposaurus and Segway Safari.
Little Lizards includes Junior Ropes with Ziposaurus and the Fossil Find adventure.
Carden Park 01829 731500 www.cardenpark.co.uk
23rd
Afternoon Tea at Arley Hall
Enjoy a tour of the stunning Arley Hall, followed by afternoon tea in their Library accompanied by a glass of fizz or soft drink, scrumptious sandwiches, bakes and sweet pastries.
Arley Hall, Northwich, 01565 777 353
29th – 30th
Liverpool Pride
The theme for Liverpool Pride 2017 is International Love, and across the weekend a programme will offer an exciting and diverse line-up, featuring music styles from around the world to celebrate international LGBT culture.
Liverpool, www.liverpoolpride.co.uk
Throughout July
Sub Zero Challenge
A new offer by Chill Factore enables visitors to experience The Snow Park for just £10 per person throughout the summer holidays. Experience the adventure playground on REAL snow. Activities include Downhill Donuts, Luge Slip ‘N’ Slide and Sledge ‘O’ Mania.
Chill Factore 0161 413 2010