Something for the weekend?

Blimey theres talk of snow tomorrow. Freezing yes, but it would also be wonderfully festive for the switching on of the lights in Macc town centre. The MG&CT are supporting 'St. Ann's Hospice Christmas Tree of Light' on Saturday afternoon and the "Princess Parade".They have invited children of all ages to dress-up as princesses or any other fancy dress and follow Cinderella's coach along Chestergate from Churchill way up to the Xmas Tree .Leaves outside the Cookshop around 3 pm or tag along- along the route. After you've admired the handsome Christmas Tree you could pop into the cafe in St Micheals Church for a cuppa and a peep at the handsome stained glass windows.The loop is so pleased to see a real attempt at festivities in the town this year.

The Longden Gallery have their special Christmas Opening this weekend; the perfect place to source really unusual and unique gifts for those whom an M & S voucher just won't do.(image Julie Allen courtesy Longden Gallery).Ditto the Cheshire Open Studios also this weekend, when a number of Cheshire artists are inviting you to meet them in their own studios and buy from them direct. Have a look at their website to find who is throwing open the studio door and see the previous post regarding Yvonne Philipps and cake.You could also immerse yourself in festivities at Capesthorne Hall and admire this handsome Jacobean house decorated for |Christmas, with crafts for sale and mulled wine and mince pies in the Butlers Pantry.

For those of us for whom Christmas seems a long way a way still, treat yourself and get along to the final day of the current show Life on Mars at Likailin Gallery in Prestbury (see picture).

There is another Creative Sparks writing workshop at Bollington Art Centre on Saturday. 'When you are gone who will say my name?' How do we name? How do others name us?Another writing workshop with Gail Ashton. Take a packed lunch and sharpen your writing skills
There's a folk evening at Clonter Opera:

A night of testosterone with Belshazzar's Feast, followed by The Demon Barbers and an Evening of Song at the Heritage Centre.
Sat 28 Nov Creative Sparks workshop. £5 Bollington Art Centre To enrol, ring Gail on 01625 877804

CHRISTMAS AT CAPESTHORNE WITH CRAFTS 01625 861221www.capesthorne.com

Sat 28 Nov Folk at Clonter £16 www.clonteropera.com

Until Sat 28 Nov Likailin Gallery, Prestbury www.likailin.com

Cheshire Open Studios www.artistsatwork.org.uk

Longden Gallery Christmas Open weekend www.longdengallery.co.uk

Something for the weekend?

Music wise you can catch Apollyon at the Swan with Two Necks, and Tommy Allen and Jonny Hewitt playing Mississippi Blues at the Hollins on Friday whilst Dead River Disco are at Ronnie's on Sunday night.

Creative Sparks:The Secret Lives of Objects writing class runs at Bollington Art Centre tomorrow and then in the evening there is a Stars of Stage and Screen Spectacular at St Michaels's Church in Macc. Lyme Park is 'doing' the Victorians at home both weekend days; the perfect chance to try on some Victorian costume and try your hand at related games and puzzles.

There is a Craft fair at Capesthorne and Christ Church in Macclesfield will be opening its doors on Saturday. As we mentioned below its the final weekend of Cheshire Open studios so try to get along to some of these. The Village of Sutton is holding its first Village Arts Festival this weekend. There's a wonderful programme of music, dance, art and workshops. Not to be missed.

If that's not enough and you fancy a trip into Manchester there is the Buy Art fair at Urbis where Prestbury's Likailin Gallery will be exhibiting. I Think we'll take a look.
For more art closer to home, Barefoot Couture at Bosley cross roads are holding an auction and exhibition of local artists work in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.We love Colin Hallidays paintings so we will definitely be nipping along.

Remember if you saw it in the loop, please tell them.
picture by Colin Halliday

Sutton Festival Jenny Kendal 01260 252204
Stage and Screen spectacular Sat 26 sept 7.30 01625 421894
Ronnies Bar 01625 665050 Sun 7pm
The Swan with two necks see maccattack link below
Urbis Buy Art Fair www.buyartfair.co.uk
Barefoot Couture 01260 222122
Creative Sparks see Bollington Arts centre link below
Cheshire Open Studios www.cheshireopenstudios.org.uk or www.artistsatwork.org.uk