>> 2007 Festival Photo Diary

This year's Festival theme is WATER.     >> Download the full Programme

New Mills Festival is even bigger and better this year and will be the highlight of September for the town. The 2007 programme is now available and as ever is packed full of an exciting variety of events including music, sport, comedy, film and, of course, the famous lantern procession on Saturday 29th September.

The Festival begins on Friday 14th September with a three day Arts and Craft Festival at St George’s church and the first of the lantern making workshops.

The theme of this year’s Festival is ‘water’ and this is in evidence in many of the events on offer.  For example; a photographic exhibition throughout the town, a slide presentation about Water Aid in Nepal by ex New Mills resident Ian Watson, a well dressing talk, a Book Chat event and even a free swim at New Mills Leisure Centre.

A unique opportunity to explore and discuss the issues facing our planet is offered at the Revival Church with the showing of Al Gore’s film ‘An Inconvenient Truth.’ And on Newtown Recreation Ground at the end of the procession there will be a chance to see a working model of the Archimedes screw along with still and moving imagery inspired by water.

The Festival is packed full of excellent musical events including a big brass band concert at the Art Theatre featuring the renowned Fairey Band supported by the excellent Poynton Youth, Halle Players Plus at St James’ Church and Arts Centre and a rare opportunity to hear The Bridge Singers perform William Byrd’s Greatest Mass at St George’s Church. Providence United Reformed Church are hosting two events; a service of thanksgiving with hymns led by our very own United Co op New Mills Band and a Thornsett Band concert later on in the Festival. Pupils of Carolyn Hawkin’s Music Studio perform at St James’ Church and Arts Centre and there is another chance to see the unique James Ruffell bringing the Elvis legend to life in aid of Christies Hospital. The Festival Finale sees the highly acclaimed High Peak Orchestra making its debut in the Art Theatre. For those who fancy getting involved in the music themselves there is a singing workshop in the Town Hall. Add to all of this, the national award winning local ska band ‘Stand Out Riot’ (famed for playing the Albert Hall in London) joined by up and coming talented local bands for a great night of music organised by the Youth Club.

Stand Out Riot

For those who like to be active in the open air there will be a Festival Sports Day with tennis coaching, a 20/20 cricket challenge match between New Mills and Hayfield, Fun Run, Wacky Races Soap Box Derby in High Lea Park and a selection of moderate to strenuous walks including a local Wildlife Walk with John Hawksford. There will also be an open day at Ollersett Avenue Allotments Site with a chance to be inspired and pick up some handy gardening tips. On the final Saturday New Mills Town Hall hosts the popular Chrysanthemum and Dahlia show and blooms will be on sale from 5p.m.

Other special events to look out for are a Uganda Night at the Revival Church with African food and entertainment, an opportunity to learn about Revive-a-Life Orphanage and a chance to buy African jewellery. Ali’s Café plays host to an Arabian Night with music and authentic food and a Fifties and Sixties night with hot pot supper, music of the era and optional fancy dress. Pit your wits at the Royal Oak’s Festival Quiz night and laugh your socks off at Britain’s funniest woman at Chalker’s Comedy Night.

Come early for the ever popular local history talk with cheese and wine and on another evening the talk entitled ‘The Place Names of the High Peak – What’s in a Name?’ unravels some of the meaning and stories behind some of the familiar and not so familiar local place names.

As ever the Festival is working closely with the local schools. The primary schools will receive a visit from a professional drummer and each will have the opportunity to select a few children to take part in a drum performance which will form part of the Lantern Procession. New Mills School and Sixth Form Centre will be displaying artwork by pupils from the school at various locations in the town.

During the Festival fortnight, lantern making workshops will be held at New Mills Town Hall with a team of trained helpers available. A minimum of two sessions will be needed to complete a lantern which can be proudly carried at the Lantern Procession on Saturday 29th September.

For more information on any of the above events contact 01663 744907 or 01663 747192. A full New Mills Festival programme is now available and can be obtained from the library or the Heritage Centre or downloaded here.