The first-ever Macclesfield Book Festival proved a big success.

Throughout February, Christ Church on Bridge Street has hosted celebrated authors, award-winning poets, live music, book stalls and more.

The inaugural event was put on by the Roe-Naissance team, named after the church's founder, Charles Roe.

Volunteer Jane Clucas said: "In spite of the bitterly cold weather people still came and enjoyed the warm welcome from the Roe-Naissance volunteers as well as the cups of teas and homemade cakes."

Gary Burdett with one of his digeridoos (Credit: CCM)

The festival was opened on Saturday, February 1, by the Mayor of Macclesfield, councillor Sandy Livingstone.

In his spare time, councillor Livingstone lends a hand with the gardening at Christ Church.

"I was delighted to be able to open the book festival running each weekend throughout February," said councillor Livingstone,

"Books bring knowledge, inspiration, creativity and pleasure and I love a good book.

"Thanks to Jane who organised this event and the other volunteers."

Mayor of Macclesfield Sandy Livingstone, Christ Church volunteer Jane Clucas and Chief Inspector Zoe Bowden (Credit: CCM)

Also in attendance was Macclesfield Police Chief Inspector Zoe Bowden, with Donna Spivey, chair of the Roe-Naissance Project, delivering a welcome speech.

The opening weekend also featured performances from Gary Burdett on the digeridoo along with poets Deborah Edgeley and Mark Sheeky.

Weekend two focused on all things poetry, with two former Cheshire Poet Laureates, Joy Winkler and John Lindley, reciting their poetry.

There were visits from other published poets, such as Peter Branson, as well as an open mic event MC'd by Charles Heathcote and a performance from Polydolchi Recorder Consort.

The third weekend was dedicated to history which gave an opportunity to the Christ Church Bookshop to display their wide range of rare books as well as popular literature.

Former Cheshire Poet Laureate Joy Winkler (Credit: CCM)

Macclesfield Book Festival came to a close this past weekend with a special appearance from Paul Magrs, who has written a variety of licensed Doctor Who fiction, including novels and audio plays.

With the Treacle Market cancelled on Sunday, the church hosted a surprise performance from the Rock Choir.

The inaugural book festival coincides with the church's 250th anniversary.

To find out more about the church, including volunteering opportunities and future events, contact [email protected]. 

Renowned poet, Peter Branson (Credit: CCM)

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