A HUGELY popular international dance and street arts festival is returning to Northwich to kick off the town’s packed 2024 events calendar.
Produced by Cheshire Dance and partners, Now Northwich returns for a fourth time on Saturday, April 27, seeing the walkways of Northwich town centre and Barons Quay filled with magnificent spectacles.
Kicking off early afternoon and running into the evening, the show has drawn crowds of 25,000 in the past, and 2024 looks to be another impressive line-up set to wow and enthral residents and visitors alike.
Highlights this year include an international showstopping dusk parade – called Herbert’s Dream - by France’s renowned Compagnie des Quidams.
It sees majestic and ethereal figures gliding through the shadows and metamorphosing into 4-metre high figures as they perform a magical ritual to release a new moon high up into the night sky.
Also, hybrid dance theatre company, Company Carpi, will be co-creating a new ‘dance opera’, with professional dancers, opera singers, and orchestral musicians coming together with community dancers to tell the stories of Northwich.
Adam Holloway, director of Cheshire Dance and producer of the festival, said: “We’re really looking forward to what will be our best festival yet.
“With a line-up of internationally renowned talent as well as plenty of opportunity for the public to get involved, we want people to feel welcome and able to participate in all that Now Northwich has to offer without barriers to access or finance.
“Times are tough and events such as Now Northwich help communities feel connected and empowered at times of financial insecurity.
“What’s more, as a group of public and voluntary sector partners, we’re working really hard to offer something for everyone across the wide spectrum of our diverse community.”
The full programme and timings for Now Northwich 2024 will be announced shortly on the festival’s social media pages and at www.nownorthwich.co.uk.
To get involved with the event as a community dancer, to volunteer on the day, or to support the festival in any other way, email: nownorthwich@cheshiredance.org.
Cllr Lisa Denson, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for culture, said: Now Northwich really showcases the town as the place to be.”
“We’re delighted to see the return of the festival which has become a staple in the town’s calendar, truly offering something for everyone – and at no charge.
“Free events bringing the community together are more important than ever, and we’re thrilled to have this fantastic event in our town.
“Not only will the event benefit residents of all ages, but businesses are sure to see increased footfall from visitors from outside the region.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here