Goosfest 2024

Goosfest 2024, a ‘not-for-profit’ music and arts festival, is larger than ever, beginning with the ever-expanding Art Exhibitions at the end of September and including the 9-day main festival in early October held at a mix of venues in and around Goostrey, Cheshire. All events can be booked via the festival website, Goosfest.com.

Arts Weekend: Art & Workshops – Friday September 27th to Sunday September 29th

Art is a key component of Goosfest, which begins with a dedicated long weekend of free access exhibitions based in beautiful locations. ‘Art in the Barns’ brings together the work of over 20 professional artists, largely from the North-West, as well as opportunities to participate in workshops, including watercolour painting, bookbinding, flower arranging and tote bag making. There’s also a fascinating art lecture by exhibitor Peter Davis. Goostrey Archive Group has an exhibition about Goostrey’s cycling heritage and Goostrey Flower Club has a festival of flowers (‘Nature’s Bounty’) in St Luke’s Church from Friday 4th until Sunday 13th October.

Main programme of events – Friday October 4th – Sunday October 13th.

Goosfest begins its main programme on Friday October 4th with a flourish. That night, a weekend of music starts with the welcome return of the legendary Snake Davis and his band. Saturday 5^th has a ‘Finding your Voice’ morning workshop with Marie-Claire Breen, and in the evening, the fabulous ‘The Budapest Café Orchestra’ make a return Goosfest visit. The next day, Sunday 6^th, there is a recital by the internationally renowned organist Jonathan Scott, followed by an evening concert with one of the UK’s finest singer/songwriters, Edwina Hayes.

The following week includes Comedy Night; a performance by well-known, Nashville based Country singers Jon Byrd and Amelia White who have included Goosfest in their first UK National Tour, and an afternoon tea/ classical music recital by the violinist and guitarist duo, Duo Aerius. There’s also a lecture on ‘Music in Art’ followed by a recital featuring medieval instruments, and two plays - ‘Whatta Life!’ (the life of Kathleen Ferrier) and ‘The Match Box’ - (a hard hitting and powerful play written by Frank McGuinness). Introducing a Liverpudlian/Beatles theme, there’s an evening with music journalist Colin Hall and Liverpool music legend Mark Pountney, presenting The Songs The Beatles Gave Away.

The last weekend begins with ‘Goosfest Goes to Liverpool’, featuring one of the top Beatles tribute bands and a Liverpool-themed meal. The festival finale on the last Goosfest Sunday, October 13^th, will be an event to remember with the ‘Chicago Blues Brothers’ at Clonter Opera Theatre – a high energy show that has toured the UK to rave reviews.