The full programme has been unveiled ahead of the inaugural Macclesfield Textile Week.

Macclesfield will honour its global reputation for industry and creativity with a new community-led collaboration between Macclesfield Community ArtSpace and the Silk Museum.

Running from September 19 to 27, the festival will feature an 50 events across 15 locations, celebrating the town's mighty industrial past and its vibrant, creative present.

Festival organiser Vicki Treanor from Macclesfield Community ArtSpace said: "Textile Week is an opportunity to share and learn new skills, spend time together, and celebrate our unique heritage.

"We're incredibly grateful for the support and backing of Macclesfield Town Council and Cheshire East Council in making our vision a reality, and we're looking forward to providing a fun-filled programme of community events that everyone can enjoy."

READ MORE: Macclesfield to celebrate its global heritage with first-ever Textile Week festival

The festival programme is packed with unique experiences, including expert-led talks, hands-on workshops, and community showcases.

A major highlight of the week is a talk hosted by the Silk Museum at Kings School Macclesfield by Patrick Grant, the acclaimed Great British Sewing Bee judge and founder of ethical clothing brand Community Clothing.

Dr. Clare Harding, director of the Silk Museum, said: "We're thrilled to welcome Patrick Grant to Macclesfield.

"His passionate advocacy for radical change in the fashion industry and his vision for valuing the makers behind our clothes resonates deeply with the spirit of our town.

"Textile Week is a testament to our enduring creative legacy, and hosting such a prominent voice is a fantastic way to honour that history while sparking important conversations about our future."

Festival highlights

• Macclesfield and the Bayeux: Celebrating 900 years of local heritage, this exhibition at the Silk Museum will showcase the community-made Macclesfield History Tapestry alongside The Story of the Bayeux, an interactive exhibition provided by the British Museum.
• Fashion Show: The Windyway Trust's Fashion Reworked runway event at Button Warehouse, celebrates sustainable, upcycled style by showcasing local designs inspired by the natural landscape.
• Sustainable Living Fair: Macclesfield Community ArtSpace has partnered with The One Project and The Repair Café to host a sustainable living fair at the United Reformed Church.
• Inclusive Crafting: Macclesfield Community ArtSpace will host Learn to Knit and Crochet sessions, including dedicated workshops for the visually impaired.
• Study Day: Weaving in Paradise: A brand new, deep-dive event exploring the past, present, and future of silk weaving in Paradise Mill.
• The Tailoring Academy Open Studio: An opportunity to explore the only UK-accredited Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring.
• Film Screening: A showing of the acclaimed film The Nettle Dress at The Park Tavern.

Visitors can also get hands-on in over a dozen workshops, learning skills ranging from belt-making and zine creation to weaving wall hangings, sewing book covers, and trying botanical printing.

For families, the festival offers dedicated craft drop-ins and family workshops from Toy Making to Weaving.

Events will be held across a wide network of venues, including Paradise Mill, King's School, Macclesfield Library, the Picturedrome, the Hope Centre, Macclesfield Market Hall, and many more.

While many events are free and accessible on a drop-in basis, several workshops and talks are ticketed and have limited capacity.

Organisers are encouraging people to book early to avoid disappointment, as tickets for these popular sessions are expected to sell quickly.

For the full programme, ticket information, and how to get involved, visit www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk/textileweek.

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