PAST, present or future, there is plenty of cultural activity in the Northgate Quarter Festival.
Fresh from hitting the high notes with its choir day last weekend, this Sunday the festival will be turning back the clock for Past Times.
The feast of activities begins at Northgate Street and Rufus Court at 10am.
There will be Vikings and Civil War soldiers hosting workshops on how to paint shields, to form a shield wall, do a weapons drill and how to weave a friendship bracelet from 10am.
Performances and storytelling begin at 11.30am in the Big Red History Swap Shop in Northgate Street.
Bob Burgess said: “Stories not told die out. It is important we hear the tales of the area from those who lived them, or can remember the tales of their grandparents.”
Those who tell a story in the Big Red Tent can choose a postcard in exchange with other curious tales of Chester, and pictures of unnoticed architectural details.
History writer Gordon Emery, Bob Burgess and soldier colleagues will all be there to listen to tales, while Vikings and Roundheads will answer questions about why they were fighting and what was achieved.
There will be two music stages, one in Rufus Court and the main stage on Northgate Street.
They will feature various period acts including the Merseybelles with their 1920s and 30s sound, Gerald Williams as George Formby and the Medieval wind band Maranella.
Storyteller Tom Goodale will also be on the main stage regaling the street with two sets of tales about the Celtic and Saxon Past.
In addition, a shop full of architects will help visitors draw out their fantasy building. Winning ideas can win a meal for two, free entry to a show or books.
Chez Jules will host a vintage fire engine and visitors can see how many people were there when it first opened as a fire station in 1912.
An exhibition of the history of various buildings on Northgate Street will be on display.
The day is provided free by the Northgate Quarter Association with help from councillors and breweries.
The Northgate Quarter Festival has proved popular this summer, with the latest attraction being Choir Day.
More than 200 singers, including the Fireflies Choir, Decibellas, Dee Sign, Vocalize, Razzmatazz, St Werburgh and St Columbus School choir, Signature 5 and A Handbag of Harmonies.
Musical director Matt Baker organised the event.
FOR more information on Past Times and other Northgate Quarter Festivals, visit www.thenorthgatequarter.co.uk or call Northgate Quarter Association chairman Rod Cox on 07921 040817.
