NOW Northwich is back to bring the streets of the town centre to life with a jam-packed programme of dance and street arts to astound and enthrall both young and old.
The free festival returns in less than one week on April 30, with another vibrant treat for the eyes and ears
From multisensory experiences to masterful puppetry and mind-blowing installations, Now Northwich 2022 is sure to be a highlight of the year so far.
A spokesperson said: “Until now, Covid has kept us away – but on April 30 we return bigger and bolder than ever with 18 performance and installation pieces by 11 different companies (four more than 2019).
“More than eight different sites will be alive with acrobatics, dance, street shows and more.
“There’s a specially commissioned Northwich community film screening on a loop, six hours of live local music, no less than five processional walkabout pieces from two of our companies, plus a three-day showstopper installation.
“This year, lovers of Now Northwich can spread out to savor the experience safely, fully, in their own time and even socially-distanced.
“Stumble upon EKO, a sea-giant creature, meander through a honey-perfumed bee colony, step inside a floral biodome and be mesmerised by mythical migrating birds.
“There'll be flamboyant dance riots with acro, urban, Brazilian and African twists, drum-tastic performances, immersive experiences and even journeys to the moon.
“This year’s Now Northwich will make you question what’s right before your eyes, putting into perspective ‘the world’ as you know it.
“It’s going to be majestic, quirky and at times, a tad surreal. It’s Now Northwich; anything can happen.
“Expect the unexpected – you won’t be disappointed.”
Now Northwich 2022 is part of the Reopening and Recovery programme, funded by the Governments Additional Restrictions Grant to Cheshire West and Chester Council with additional investment from Arts Council England through a National Lottery Project Grant.
Now Northwich (part of the Without Walls Touring Network Partnership) is produced by Cheshire Dance in collaboration with and investment from Northwich Town Council, Northwich BID and Barons Quay.
Additional investment for 2022 has also been kindly donated from Charcoal Blue, Encirc and via Cheshire West and Chester Council member’s budgets.
Here are all the performance details you need ahead of next week.
Remember, on April 30 the first performance starts at 11am and the last finished at 8.30pm.
Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram: The Plaza on Witton Street
12pm - 10pm
(Plus 10am - 6pm on Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 2)
Get up close to the moon and marvel at the wonder of life beyond earth with this hypnotically majestic visual experience.
Out of the Deep Blue by Autin Dance Theatre
Witton Street promenade performances: 3.30pm and 7.45pm
Barons Quay Square: Static performances: 4pm and 8pm
A heart-warming physical theatre duet with a larger-than-life tale told through dance, movement and giant puppetry.
Lifted by Mimbre: Weaver Point Square
3.30pm and 7pm
‘Nuanced, breath-taking and highly-skilled’ acrobatic theatre.
The Bees by Artizani: Witton Street
12pm, 2.30pm and 5pm
Wander through a honey-perfumed bee colony, explore a collection of hives and take a wacky, sideways look at the world.
Taking Flight by Movema: Barons Quay Square
3pm and 7.30pm
A spectacular world dance show with four mythical winged birds uniting to explore migration, citizenship and belonging.
Frock by Stopgap: Weaver Point Square
12pm and 4.30pm
A punkish dance riot explores the yesteryears with an explosive celebration of individuality and difference.
Dandyism by Patrick Ziza Dance: Weaver Point Square
1.30pm and 5.30pm
A colourful celebration of ‘cool’, Dandyism shows how African culture influences with a riotous and defiant, “We Are Here!”
Night Out In Nature by Frozen Light Theatre: River Park
10am, 12pm and 2pm
(Bookings ONLY)
An enchanting sensory installation show set in A beautiful biodome to offer an interactive cosmic, floral experience for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Drum and Dance Collective, Juba do Leão
Witton Street: Processional performances: 11.15am, 2pm and 7.45pm
Apple Market Place: Static performances: 11.30am, 2.15pm and 8pm
Floor-shaking rhythms and vibrant moves take you on an enlightening tour of the intoxicating grooves of Brazil.
Pandora’s Boombox by Dope Male Performance Company: Apple Market Place
1pm and 7pm
The story of Pandora’s (Boom) Box as you’ve never seen it before - a Greek myth full of dance, rap, graffiti & more.
Salt Stories by About Time Dance: Barons Quay Units 19-22
12pm – 7.30pm
Tales from the community in a beautiful screening produced by About Time Dance Co, featuring local residents aged eight to 80.
Sounds in the Square: Apple Market Place
3.30pm - 6.30pm
Live music from some of the best youth bands around with special performance from Juba do Leão’s Jubacana.
Northwich Library Workshops
10am – 4pm
Free arts and crafts workshops for all the whole family in Northwich Library.
Family Zone: Weaver Point Way
12pm – 5pm
A whole awesome afternoon of free fun, little ones are invited to head along with their big ones to take part in drop-in crafty maker sessions and arty activities.
Performance schedule subject to change.
For more information, visit nownorthwich.co.uk or keep on eye out on its Facebook page.
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