New Mills Festival; Lantern Procession cancelled but the Festival goes on!
We are very sorry to announce that we have had to make the extremely difficult decision to cancel the lantern procession and street party this year. Events outside of our control have meant that we do not have the volunteer capacity to deliver the procession and street party safely and we have a duty of care to everyone attending, as well as our current volunteers, to ensure we can put on a safe event. We understand that this will be disappointing for everyone who was looking forward to the event, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone behind the scenes who have been working so hard in preparation for the procession. Information about refunds will be issued shortly.
New Mills Places and Spaces
New Mills Festival continues to have a great programme of happenings celebrating New Mills Places and Spaces throughout the fortnight of fun 9th to 25th September.
I'm really looking forward to some of my old favourites as well as intrigued by the newcomers.
Home Farm
I'm excited to see the ongoing growth of the Home Farm project, watching the exploration of community food production and how that leads us to new avenues. New Mills Home Farm, sowing, reaping, milling and baking since 2020, has a resident theatre company, Unfinished Business, for a week-long stay as part of this year’s project. Prepare for some intriguing events: Mush, Rest & Rise Again, The Bakery of Slow Ideas and Harvest Home. More here: https://www.newmillsfestival.com/homefarmnewmills
The New Milne: How New Mills got it's name
The New Mills Local History Society Festival Lecture took me by surprise the first time I attended. Firstly, the sheer number of people attending it was something I had been unprepared for. Secondly, the quality and tone of the lecture, the entertainment value blew me away. I was curious about the subject, but no history geek and was enthralled for the whole time. I can understand why for so many people it's a highlight of New Mills Festival and I wouldn't miss it. Friday 23 September 7:30pm in the Town Hall. More here: https://www.newmillsfestival.com/events-23-sept/2022/9/23/the-new-milne-how-new-mills-got-its-name
Apple day
Held in one of New Mills's special places, the Community Orchard, Apple day is on Sunday 25th September 2pm to 4pm. The Orchard is accessible only on foot, through High Lea Park. Another of the surprises for me was how many people come along to this lovely annual event which provides fun for all the family including Raffle, Apple Coring, Treasure Hunt and Bouncy Castle.https://www.newmillsfestival.com/events-25-sept/2022/9/25/apple-day-at-new-mills-community-orchard
New Mills Places and Spaces - new for 2022
New for this year, I'm looking forward in particular to these:
Worm Safari
Free Event running from the Beer Shed - 13th and 14th September and 20th and 21st September 10:30pm to 11:30pm - yes, that's not a typo, this is a nocturnal happening! Call Prof Wormcast on 07977098207 to book in as this is subject to demand.
Join Professor Wormcast on a informational walking tour to see the nocturnal habits of earthworms and other creatures of the night. While we can not guarantee that you will see any worms, there is an opportunity to experience life as a worm. Only a short walk with a step free route option. Think whale watching but with worms and no boats. A 45 minute tour including worm facts, poor jokes and hopefully some “that’s interesting” moments. Suitable for all. I'm hoping that it'll give me a new insight into life in my garden worm bin! https://www.facebook.com/events/378744980948732
Light Within
'Light Within', part of the High Peak Community Arts' Project eARTh programme. Participants worked with photographer Josh Tomalin and dancer Courteney Cruse, using 35mm negatives to create sculptures on themes of hope and optimism.
At this free event, come along to see the short dance piece, view the sculptures and enjoy tea, coffee, and cake. Enjoy the dance, sculptures and refreshments. Free event 11th September at Spring Bank Arts 11:30am to 2:30pm. More information here: https://calendar.time.ly/418u4fib/event/72782856