The next tickets to sell-out for Barnaby look likely to be for top BBC journalist Nick Robinson and left-wing columnist Owen Jones ‘In Conversation’ about influences and political life.

It’s a bit of a coup and another big, local name and we’re delighted they are supporting Barnaby by taking the stage together on Saturday, June 18, on what will be a jam-packed festival day.

Nick Robinson now presents BBC Radio 4’s Today - the second Macclesfield journalist to host the show, following in footsteps of veteran broadcaster the late Brian Redhead, renowned for his on-air championing of the town!

SPACEY STARRY BARNABY WINDOWS

There’s already much chatter on social media about the Shop Window Competition.

Past prize winners Roe 11 Hairdressing and Macc Eye Society and new entrants Naturally Different and butchers N. Carter & Co have their thinking caps on! Rumour has it M&S are keen too.

Barnaby Windows (it isn’t confined to shops) invites everyone in the town centre to join in.

There are two £100 prizes sponsored by Janhill and Estates & Leisure plus a new People’s Prize of £150 supported by Macclesfield Town Council.

The theme is ‘Space’ in any sense, and the judges are looking for creativity, quality and public participation.

Not much time but want to join in?

Fill your windows with stars - any size, colour, shape or material!

Macclesfield’s most famous window - Arighi Bianchi - will also be taking part (but not competing!) showing passing commuters just what a creative community we are.

Full details and how to register at www.barnabyfestival.org.uk

BEDWYR FILMING IN TOWN

Watch out for a guest in town over the coming week.

Critically acclaimed Caernarfon-based artist Bedwyr Williams is shooting his short film ‘Flexure’, commissioned by Barnaby with Arts Council funding.

The story is about a Macclesfield hypnotist who gets hooked on his own tapes and floats off into a dreamworld...

Bedwyr represented Wales at the highly rated Venice Biennale in 2013 with ‘Starry Messenger’ (pictured) a tribute to amateur astronomers - and that’s how the original connection was made.

Bedwyr is talking at the Open Meeting on 27 April at MADS Little Theatre.

All are welcome to meet the team, find out what’s going on and sign up to help with stewarding at the festival.

More at www.barnabyfestival.org.uk