ROAM the Rows will have the right ingredients for success this weekend.
The festival, devised by Chester Performs, is set to celebrate Chester’s famous Rows with a variety of art and performance, including the aptly titled 300 Cream Buns on a Pink Carpet.
Conceived by local artist Shelley Heath, the confectionery creation is just the icing on the cake of the two-day event, which runs from noon-3pm on August 9 and 10 and features a jam-packed programme of music, performance, dance and art.
Amber Knipe, Chester Performs project co-ordinator, said: “Even if you’ve not got a sweet tooth, you’re sure to find something this weekend that captivates, amuses or enlightens.
“Roam the Walls will restore a touch of the unfamiliar to this unique feature of the city. Check out the full programme of art, dance and performances at www.chesterperforms.com.”
With more than 50 artists, groups and societies taking part, Roam the Rows presents an exciting range of work from regional groups such as Dee-Sign, a Chester community deaf choir who will be transforming singing into sign, InterAct and Mold Drama Works, Chester Musical Society, as well as Chester artists W Terry Fox, Cheshire’s Poet Laureate, who will be creating a series of poems on posters and reciting some of his poems with his guitar.
The event offers everything from “free running” to storytelling, installation art, walkabout street performance, unusual guided tours, dance and puppetry.
There is also a whole host of opportunities for visitors to get involved with the artists directly at sites across the city’s major streets, Eastgate, North- gate, Watergate and Bridge Street.
Event co-ordinator Amber Knipe said: “Roam the Rows is about animating the space and using and highlighting Chester’s unique features. We are looking for volunteers to help with stewarding this large event.
“Roam the Rows is a family-friendly event so people can meander through the streets with the aid of a special map.”
Chester’s retailers are heavily involved in the event, which is designed to enhance the character and charm of the city centre and its historic streets.
For further information about Roam the Rows and stewarding for the event, go to www.chesterperforms.com or call the Chester Performs office on 01244 409113.
Festival maps will be available from shops, information centres and Chester Performs’ own exhibition and information space at 31, Watergate Row South, during the event.
