Barnaby Festival is set to host a series of events in a Grade II listed chapel.

A programme of shows will take place in Macclesfield’s historic King Edward Street Chapel, with performances on the roster including a Gothic Opera, a fibbing contest, a Jazz Suite and a headline show from an art-pop musician.

One of the first events will be a special show by lyrical muso Vinny Peculiar, who will perform his poetry and song alongside a host of special guest Maxonians. He will play at the chapel, on King Edward Street, Macclesfield, at 8pm on Friday, June 20. Tickets cost £6.

‘Pants on Fire’ has to be one of the most outrageous events on offer at Barnaby. Competitors are being asked to fib for England – the more outrageous, ridiculous and fantastic the tall story, the better.

Two informal ‘heats’ are taking place at Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, Sutton Mill, Gunco Street, on Saturday, May 31, and Saturday, June 7.

Then in the grand finale, the fraudsters will compete to dupe a panel of judges and hoodwink the audience. Hear the pork pie merchants at 5.30pm on Saturday, June 21, at the chapel. Tickets cost £4.

A haunting gothic opera written and composed by Maxonians, Morella, is also set to be performed in the chapel on Saturday at 9.15pm.

Tickets for the performance cost £5.

At the climax of the festival’s big weekend on Sunday, June 22, from 7pm to 9pm, internationally renowned storyteller Shonaleigh will transport the audience to a magical world of image and music, drawing upon myths, history and her imagination. Tickets cost £5.

Tickets for all events, as well as complete listings for the festival are available at www.barnabyfestival.org.uk.

Barnaby Bites

They are also available from the Visitors Information Centre in Macclesfield Town Hall, Market Place, Macclesfield.

• Most of Barnaby, from the myriad art exhibitions to StreetFest and the Carnival Parade will be industry themed. They’ll be chimney sweeps and mill workers, steam punk and high-tech digital, and in keeping with the theme, two classic and now rarely seen films will be shown at Macclesfield’s Old Sunday School (Heritage Centre) over the Big Weekend. Suitable for the young and the not so young, each film features a special treat!
• I’m All Right Jack

Incompetent workers and corrupt officials collide in the 1950s BAFTA-winning satire of British industry, ‘I’m All Right Jack’. (101 mins, Cert U)

After the viewing of ‘I’m All Right Jack’ there will be a traditional afternoon tea served downstairs in the Whitaker Room. Friday 20 June, 2-5pm, £10, numbers limited so book early!

• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Continuing the ‘industry’ theme, families can watch the original 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. (100 mins, Cert U). Kids will enjoy a complimentary chocolate treat included in the ticket price. Saturday 21 June, 10-11.40am, £3.50, adult £5.

• Want To Write Music With a Pro? Song Writing Workshop with Mancunian Popster, Vinny Peculiar?

Barnaby is delighted to announce that not only will Vinny Peculiar perform on Friday, June 20, 8pm, King Edward St Chapel £6 (16+), but he’s also offering a unique chance for you to be part of an all-day workshop! The workshop group will create a piece that will be performed in the evening’s show.

Limited places on workshop Friday 20 June, 10.30am – 5pm, King Edward St Chapel, £3 (16+). Please contact mail@barnabyfestival.org.uk to enquire.