GLOBALLY-renowned singer Barbara Dickson is among the top acts lined up for this year’s Goosfest.

This is Goostrey’s 13th Goosfest, which runs from October 4 to 21 and features a huge range of music, entertainment, arts and community events.

This year’s highlights include Barbara Dickson with Scottish singer Rab Noakes, a presentation by Welsh naturalist and television wildlife presenter Iolo Williams from BBC’s Springwatch and an Elvis tribute act by one of Europe’s top Elvis impersonators.

There is also The Budapest Café Orchestra, a jazz evening with Soft Machine guitarist John Etheridge and West End singer Vimala Rowe, and an organ recital by Bridgewater Hall organist Jonathan Scott.

There’s the ever-popular Goosfest Buzz Comedy Night, plus storytelling, drama and lectures, and music ranging from guitar solos and classical to jazz, country and Northern Soul.

Knutsford Guardian:

Iolo Williams

Community events include an art exhibition, Goostrey Archives, an artisan market, a children’s show, plus a print-making workshop during the art exhibition, and other workshops covering flower arranging, photography, Roberts Bakery masterclasses and gin-tasting.

Goosfest chairman Bill Ollier said: “Each year we think we can’t pack any more into our two-week schedule, and each year we manage to put together what we think is our best-ever programme.

“We’re delighted to have attracted such a well-known singer as Barbara Dickson this year, together with Rab Noakes, and they’re bringing a fantastic support act in Edwina Hayes, who has performed for us before.

“This year, too, we’ve got our largest ever programme of fringe events, and with community activities such as an art exhibition, children’s workshop, artisan market and Goostrey Archives we believe there’s something for everybody.”

There will be two opportunities to enjoy lunch at The Swettenham Arms accompanied by local singers with the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, entertainment with meals at The Crown pub in Goostrey and The Yellow Broom restaurant in Twemlow, and Irish food when ‘Goostrey Goes to Ireland’.

Knutsford Guardian:

Budapest Cafe Orchestra

Following last year’s launch of the new Goosfest website, this year ticket sales will be via online booking only – but there’s a helpdesk for anyone not familiar with online booking.

For people who don’t have a computer or can’t access the Internet there’s a 24-hour Goosfest box office number, 01477 765016, where callers can leave contact details and requirements. Goosfest will call back to help with purchases.

Many events are expected to sell out quickly, so book as early as possible via the website – goosfest.com, where buyers can book, pay for and download/print off their barcoded tickets for each event and for each individual attending.

Online purchases can be made by credit card, PayPal or direct bank transfer (BACS).

Tickets will be sent as PDF attachments embedded in an email to the purchaser. For events where allocated seating plans are required buyers can now choose their seats.

For some events which include a food menu, buyers can now specify their food choice and any dietary requirements and intolerances.