Following the great success of last year’s ‘Art in The Barn’ Exhibition where 16 of the top NW Artists displayed their work at The Orchards Farm, the Flower Club’s floral Display in The Church and the Goostrey Archive Group Exhibition of photos and documents relating to rural life, we have decided to consolidate and expand this as a stand-alone ‘Arts & Crafts’ weekend where we can enjoy all the exhibitions without other events going on. These events were all extremely popular and even caught the eye of Cheshire Life Magazine. Our new Arts and Craft Weekend will give everyone (including the Goosfest Committee!) time to catch their breath before the main festival begins on Friday 6th October. Given the extensive programme we have lined up for you this year, this is even more sensible!

For the Arts and Craft Weekend, we have expanded the Art exhibition from 16 to 25 artists. Their work will be displayed on two sites – The Orchards Exhibition Barn at Twemlow and the Art Gallery at Clonter Brook Farm in Swettenham Heath (just two miles apart). For those who have not visited the beautiful purpose- built Art Gallery with its chandeliers at Clonter Brook Farm, it will be a revelation. We have also extended the exhibitions from two to three days, to increase the opportunity to see the quality of art on display. Art will again be available for purchase. Both locations have car parking and refreshment facilities. Two day-long art workshop events will be run over this weekend for those interested.

There’s also a day-long poetry and creative writing Workshop on Sunday 1st October, by former Cheshire Poet Laureate Joy Winkler, in the beautiful Music Room at Clonter Brook Farm.

Back in Goostrey, Goostrey Flower Club will again be dressing St Luke’s Church with a series of exquisite floral displays, which can be viewed from Friday 29th September to Sunday October 8th.

And Goostrey Parish Archive Group and Friends of Goostrey Station have a joint exhibition in Goostrey Village Hall, showing fascinating photographs and information relating to the history of transport in the village.