OK everyone ….. the Arts Festival is open ....

 Last night opened the 20^th Chorlton Arts Festival, and on hand was a Lord, an MP, a former National Poet of Scotland a heap of artists, writers and Chorlton residents.

And yes, it is twenty years ago almost to the day that a teacher, city councillor and a vicar sat down with a bottle of wine and explored the possibilities of an annual festival of the arts here in Chorlton.

Since then the festival has welcomed hundreds of artists, musicians, and writers who have performed in a varied set of  venues, and encompassed the famous, not so famous and lots of local talent.

So it was fitting that Lord Bradley of Withington who was one of the first patrons, was there last night, along with the present MP, Jeff Smith and Jackie Kay who was the National Poet of Scotland from 2016 till 2021, and lives locally.

But above all the night was about all of us who will at some point over the next month, dip into an “Arts” event or try to pack in as many as is possible.

It was a smashing evening, and one that will be remembered as a fitting launch to the 20^th festival, leaving me just to thank the organisers and volunteers who made the evening such a success, and who will be there throughout the month of activities, ensuring all goes well.

You can access the full programme of events online, or pick up a paper copy from Chorlton Library, as well as a host of shops, bars and restaurants.

And looking at the list of things to watch, listen to and participate in, it has to be the best festival yet.

At which point the very observant will spot the error in one of the photographs, and no it wasn't deliberate, I wish it had been ...... which confirms that simple truth that I ain't no artist.

Location; Chorlton

Pictures; launch night of the 20^th Chorlton Arts Festival, 2022, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*Chorlton Arts Festival, https://chorltonartsfestival.org/