Something for the Weekend

As if there wasn't enough on... it is both National Heritage Weekend and Open Studios Weekend, so, a real arts and culture fest.

Open Studios will see 44 professional contemporary artists opening their studios to the public during September, beginning this weekend, for full details visit: http://www.artistsatwork.org.uk/.

While Heritage Open Days celebrate England's architecture and culture by offering free access to properties usually closed to the public or charging admission. For details of local features visit http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

Or, start Saturday as you mean to go on and Make a Monster! Children of all ages are invited to Longden Gallery, on Shaw Street, 11am-3pm, to make their own clay monster creations. £6 includes materials used and the cost of firing. Note: children must be accompanied. 01625 433953.

Then on Saturday night Macclesfield Male Voice Choir join forces with visiting guests, Brixham Orpheus Male Voice Choir to sing in Macclesfield United Reformed Church on Park Green. That's from 7:30pm with tickets £7. 01625 428331. http://www.macclesfieldmvc.org.uk/.

A little later at the fabulous Baths Hotel on Green Street, you can hear Les Peches from 9pm.

On Sunday, if you're up early with the small people, head to Waterstone's Macclesfield for the Sunday Morning Book Club. With colouring, balloons and a fabulous story from 10am.

Then make your way to the Rossendale Trust Fete, Hollin Lane, Sutton. Gates open at 1pm and activities include birds of prey, classic cars, BBQ and more. Entry just £1. http://www.rossendaletrust.org/ (see picture)

At Ronnie's catch the much awaited, The David International, from around 7.30pm; including Scott Darlington and some familiar faces from the Macc music scene. Follow the link from the website http://www.ronnies-bar.co.uk/ (but mind, there's some choice language if you're easily offended).

For A Rainy Day...

If the loop blog seems a little absent this week it is because both Jane and I are on holiday (or are playing out in the rain). We thought you might need a reminder though, of a couple of undercover activities for the children...

Stories of Dragons and more... can be heard at Macc Library between 10am and 12 noon on Thursday 6 August. While there is an Indian Pow Wow at the Silk Museum, for children aged between 6 and 11 years, on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 August, for the making dream catchers and totem poles. (picture courtesy of Silk Museum)

For the grown-ups and if it’s not sold out, tonight (Wednesday 5 August) you could spend An Evening with Pam Ayres as part of the Gawsworth Open Air Theatre Season. And, not forgetting Cinemac for a genuinely charming night of film entertainment... Showing Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6: G-Force (PG) 3, 5 and 7pm; The Hangover (15) 8.45pm.

Macclesfield Library, Jordangate: 01625 374000

Macclesfield.infopoint@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Silk Museum, Park Lane Galleries, Macclesfield:

01625 612045

Gawsworth Open Air Theatre:

01260 223456
www.gawsworthhall.com

Cinemac, Heritage Centre, Roe St, Macclesfield:

01625 423535
http://www.cinemac.org.uk/

Lyme and Lion Tales

Want to take an hour away from worrying about the weather? Well, pop into the Museum at West Park for Tales from the Yurt. Let Brian the Lion regale your 5 to 12 year olds with stories from near and far. He’ll be there from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th this week between 2 and 3pm. Admission is free but children must be accompanied by an adult.

On Tuesday and Wednesday there is also fun to be had in Lyme Park with Crafty Creations. The drop-in craft workshop for 4 to 11 years olds starts at 11am on 28th July and 1pm on the 29th. Picture: the house at Lyme Park.

West Park Museum, Prestbury Rd, Macc
01625 612045. http://www.macclesfield.silk.museum/

Lyme Park Timber Yard, Lyme Park

lymepark@nationaltrust.org.uk