Tap dancing taps, tea dancing cuppas and a colourful carnival are heading to Northwich.
Now Northwich, a major free outdoor dance and street arts festival, returns to town on Saturday, May 3.
For the fifth year, performers will animate the streets at locations across the town centre and Barons Quay.
Activities for all ages will run from noon until the evening and feature a host of dance and performance artists who have toured internationally.
From an acclaimed carnival crew to high wire walkers, contemporary dance artists and the world premiere of an inclusive sensory installation aimed at young people with learning disabilities, producer Cheshire Dance promises there will be something for everyone.
With dramatic costumes, giant walkabout puppets, a sea of colourful flags, and a powerful percussion ensemble, Global Grooves – the crack team behind Kendal Calling festival’s infamous annual parade – will bring the sights and sounds of Brazilian Carnival to Now Northwich.
Greater Manchester Carnival arts specialists have been working with local schools and community groups to create an unforgettable procession which starts at the library on Witton Street at 2.30pm, working its way to Apple Market Place.
Merging theatre, circus, poetry and community stories, high profile Gorilla Circus have been invited to deliver this year’s showstopper. Prepare to be amazed, as hair-hanging artists, high wire walkers and dance trapeze acrobats perform in the air on a series of cables strung between towering masts.
Other highlights of the family-friendly event include Umbra by Manchester contemporary dance outfit Company Chameleon. Fast paced and dynamic, yet delicate and sensitive, Umbra spotlights exclusion and is an invitation to pause and understand ourselves better.
Tea Club, a strolling piece of dance theatre, celebrating the British passion for tea and all things vintage. Co-devised and performed by Ruth Jones and Clare Fildes, Trixie and Tilly are two eccentric tea ladies, who serve their fine leaf tea from a special musical trolley, dancing along to their favourite gramophone records.
Whilst the Tap Dancing Taps, created by Sole Rebel, will bring humour, dance and fun to the streets, blowing soapy bubbles into the air.
The festival is still looking for volunteers for a number of roles on the day, including street ambassadors, artists’ runners, set up crew and evaluators. Complete this short form to express an interest here: https://forms.gle/
Global Grooves is looking for groups and individuals who want to join the Carnival parade as flag bearers or to wear a costume. Contact hello@globalgrooves.org before April 5.
Adam Holloway, director of Cheshire Dance, said: “Since 2018, Now Northwich has become associated with the very highest quality of dance and street theatre performance – and the very best audiences.
“The electric atmosphere on the day is a credit to the town and we truly can’t wait for this year’s event.”
Northwich town mayor, Kate Cernik said: “Now Northwich is back in town. In what promises to be an exciting day, internationally recognised dancers will be joined by local groups to provide the town with a fantastic display of talent. I hope that as many people as possible join the crowds for this unique event.”
Now Northwich is delivered by Cheshire Dance with the support of Arts Council England, Without Walls, Chester West and Chester Council, Northwich Town Council, Northwich BID and Barons Quay – Legat Owen.
Image credit: Paul Wilson
