Arts festival gets underway despite 'cold feet'

By Anna Mauremootoo

Actor John Thomson officially opened the Didsbury Arts Festival yesterday.

Thomson, best known for his role in Cold Feet, said he was happy to support an event that gives unsigned acts a chance to display their talents.

The Salford-born star said that with eight days and over 100 events, visitors are spoilt for choice.

“It is a great event for families and I’m a great believer in the family unit,” he said.

The Fairly Famous Family warmed up the crowd with their mobile cocktail bar and comedy juggling act during which one audience member was taught some signature moves.  

Event organisers hope the festival, now in its second year, will prove to be as successful as last year’s, which boasted audiences of over 5000.

Following the opening ceremony at Didsbury library, guests were entertained by a diverse line-up in Parsonage Gardens.

Acts on the open air stage included burlesque dancers, slam poet Chris Jam, who also preformed at last years event, and Punch and Judy.

More than 40 venues will host the planned events, showcasing over 50 artists from the South Manchester area including the Didsbury based rock band Illusion.

The events director Maria Stripling said: “There’s just so much talent in Didsbury.”

The festival also includes the Over the Counter exhibition which involves around 30 artists displaying and selling their work in high street windows throughout the week.

Many of the pieces are appropriately themed, for example Flash, Paws and Claws- The Human Condition by Sarah Walters which is currently displayed at Didsbury Dentist.

Local student Josie Crompton said: “I think this a great opportunity for the business and art community to combine forces and for locals to reap the benefits.”

A charity concert in aid of The Christie Hospital will be held on the closing night featuring The Manchester Beethoven Orchestra.

The festival runs until the 2 October.

For more details visit the website www.didsburyartsfestival.org or pick up a programme from Didsbury Library.