2nd July - 10th July
Saturday 2nd July, 1pm - 8pm, Sunday 3rd - Friday 8th July, 11am - 8pm Saturday 9th July, 11am - 5pm, Sunday 10th July, 11am - 8pm Leckonby Cottage (see below) * Refreshments available 2pm - 4.30pm daily Admission £2, £1 (concs.), pay at the gate.


After the success of the Sculpture Garden in last year's Festival, there will be another week of art in the open air. As with last year, there is an emphasis on 'art for all' with a mix of works not only from professionals but also from local schools and HMP Risley. Also on display is the output of several workshops run by artists in and around the village in the lead-up to the Festival. A special feature this year is two 'Big Pictures' - one produced by adults and one by local children, with the participants contributing individual panels to make up the whole. The resulting pictures will each measure a mammoth 140 square feet. Thanks to local artists Colin and Janet Grimes for organising this part of the exhibition. The 'Big Pictures' will be on display in the Art Tent along with many other works. There will also be a wood carving demonstration taking place throughout the week. Put all of this in the setting of the intriguing canalside gardens of Leckonby Cottage, throw in some delicious home made teas and it becomes an unmissable ingredient of the Festival programme. There will be plenty of interest for children with a garden trail and quiz. Ceramics produced at HMP Risley will be for sale, the proceeds going to Christies Hospital and the proceeds from the sale of the stained glass made at HMP Risley will go to the restoration fund for Gorton Priory.

Access to the Art in the Garden is via the Bridgewater Canal towpath.
Follow signs west from opposite the Market car park, leading under the Brookfield Road bridge. Disabled visitors by appointment - call 01925 754080.


Event code - 01