Invited guests including business people, footballers, musicians and community leaders turned out for the launch of a new brand for Macclesfield this week.

The 100 guests filled the launch event at Ropewalks on Newton Street for a glimpse of the brand which has been drawn up to put Macclesfield on the map.

The idea follows business breakfasts and an economic forum set up by Cheshire East Council and David Rutley.

Brand designers Vibe Limited unveiled the logo which is influenced by the town's silk heritage and uses the idea of the warp and weft of a weave to create the letter M with the word Macclesfield beneath it.

The slogan Make It Macclesfield will accompany this image and the people behind the brand are looking at ways to promote it around the town.

Clare Hayward, who led the presentation, said it was important everyone helped spread the word.

New Order's Stephen Morris, who lives in the town, also spoke at the event - see his speech below ...

On a video clip played at the event, MP David Rutley said: "Let's work together to make it Macclesfield!"

This weekend will see activities to launch the brand to the public.

The brand will be unveiled at the Macclesfield Beer Festival on Friday, May 6, at 7pm.

Mr Rutley will be the first of a group to abseil down the Town Hall on Saturday at 11am and activities include a climbing wall, face painting, X box, community stalls and Silk FM talent show.

On Sunday, May 8 the crowd at Macclesfield Town's ground will see the brand when the Mercian Regiment takes on soap stars in a charity football match.

The event takes place from midday to 5pm with kick off at 2pm. There will be a fire engine, bouncy castle, burger vans and a ‘beat the goalie’ competition.

To get involved and find out more visit createadifference.co.uk

For more on the branding see next week's Express.