New Mills Festival

In case you’ve forgotten (how could you?), the dates of New Mills Festival 2023 are 8 to 30 Sept. Events are filling up the calendar, and we’ll be guiding you through these as we approach Festival time.

I’d encourage you to explore our website events calendar https://newmillsfestival.co.uk/events/month/2023-09/  One of our volunteers has done a lot of work on New Mills Festival website over the last few months. The calendar is a fantastic upgrade!

In summary, the Event Organisers who were eagerly awaiting New Mills Festival call for events have got in early with their event information. Picking out just three of these:

Providence Church were ready and waiting and have a varied programme ahead. They are offering up Music for Trumpet and Organ, and also have a lecture on Spirituality of Play. I had an exclusive interview with the organiser this week to find out about the Knitted Bible which is at the Church on Mellor Road for the duration of New Mills Festival (viewing times and dates here – https://newmillsfestival.co.uk/event/the-knitted-bible-exhibition/). The display is a series of intricate and uplifting knitted bible scenes (36 no less) that were all created by the congregation of St George’s URC, Hartlepool.  The much in demand exhibit has been touring the UK since 2010, and is now coming to New Mills. There’s a Grand Opening on 8 Sept, so watch out for details of that.

Spring Bank Arts also got their event submissions in as soon as entries opened. They have a busy programme starting with Pop and Swing on 9 Sept (tickets £10), and singer songwriter, musician, composer Chris Woods 10 Sept (tickets £15). Their ticketing can all be found here: https://www.wegottickets.com/springbankarts/. I’ve also got my eye on their Rant Violins (Scottish fiddles) event on 22 Sept so do check out their other events.

There are three events at the New Mills Art Theatre; their Panto Get Together 4 Sept at 7:30pm for anyone curious about what they do, how they do it, and how you can get involved. On 23 Sept they will be Jive Talkin’ at the Theatre, A Bee Gees tribute act (tickets £22.50)  https://newmillsfestival.co.uk/event/jive-talkin-bee-gees-tribute-act/ and on 30 Sept have Manford’s Comedy (tickets £12.50). Tickets available here https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/high-peak/new-mills-art-theatre

Our website calendar is searchable by venue, by organisation, or by the type of event you’re looking for. Facts at your fingertips.

Where the Eagles Dance https://newmillsfestival.co.uk/event/where-the-eagles-dance/. I’m always intrigued to see what Wiseheart and Wild will find to entertain, educate, and enthral. This year Annie Greatorex is holding an exhibition of woven and embroidered textile art from 8 to 24 Sept. Entry is free, and you do of course know where to find them, at 80 Market Street (near the mini roundabout).

#summerofdisobedience. At the end of their summer of subversive yarn bombs, local group, the Woolly Wanderers will be staging an uprising in the Town Hall Car Park. Open all hours from start to finish of New Mills Festival. There have been a number of small displays around New Mills this summer, with the fluffy folk becoming ever more restless as the rain carries on. https://newmillsfestival.co.uk/event/summerofdisobedience/

Wood, Willow and Weave Festival. It’s like a Festival within a Festival! One of our new favourite venues around town is the Rock Mill Centre. Wiseheart and Wild, not content with hosting a fortnight long exhibition, have taken things a step further! Sunday Sept 10 they are bringing us a day (11am to 5pm) of showcasing rural crafts. Come along and see crafters at work, even have a go yourself, or just enjoy the festival vibes.  https://newmillsfestival.co.uk/event/wood-willow-and-weave/. They would love for you to join them, see below for how to have your stall at the event.

Professor Wormcast’s Worm Safari. Followers of this newsletter will have noticed that I’m a big fan of this event. https://newmillsfestival.co.uk/event/professor-wormcasts-worm-safari/ – 10:30pm on three nights only. Monday 18, Tuesday 26, Wednesday 27 Sept. Free event, booking by contacting the Prof himself direct (number on link). It’s a lovely night time meander through the dark corners of New Mills. The 45 minute walking tour includes worm facts, poor jokes, and hopefully some “that’s interesting” moments.

Next newsletter I’m looking to share information on walking and local history events. The following one I’ll be exploring the musical happenings on offer. Who knows what’ll happen after that as events continue to be added to the calendar!