Call out for musical extravaganza

Ribchester's newest cultural festival is nearly here, with tickets selling fast.
Owen PhillipsOwen Phillips
Owen Phillips

Ribchester’s newest cultural festival is nearly here, with tickets selling fast.

Ribfest, a week-long celebration of music and the arts run by Ribcaged Productions, will take place from July 18 to 24 and visitors are urged to buy their tickets to avoid disappointment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the main focus of the event being youth involvement, school pupils were invited to create a poster.

Ribfest poster designed by Isabelle ParkinsonRibfest poster designed by Isabelle Parkinson
Ribfest poster designed by Isabelle Parkinson

The winning design was made by St Wilfrid’s School pupil, Isabelle Parkinson.

Owen Phillips, artistic director of Ribcaged Productions, said: “Growing up in Ribchester I always enjoyed the music and arts festival as it was my first opportunity to enjoy live theatre and music.

“I was sad when it finished so we wanted to continue that and encourage young people to get involved through their schools. It is important youngsters get to see a mixture of live arts and a range of classical and jazz music.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We hope they go on to enjoy live music and theatre when they get older.

Singer Rick GuardSinger Rick Guard
Singer Rick Guard

“We are delighted that pupils have got involved, by performing and designing a poster. The entries were fantastic - it was very difficult to choose.

“Isabelle did very well and we were pleased with her design. Older children are also acting as volunteers on the day.”

The festival kicks off the Monday evening with Ribchester Amateur Theatrical Society’s take on Watership Down, The Rabbits of Sandleford Warren.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is also being performed on the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Ribfest poster designed by Isabelle ParkinsonRibfest poster designed by Isabelle Parkinson
Ribfest poster designed by Isabelle Parkinson

Tuesday sees an early Music History show at St Wilfrid’s CE Primary School and then in the village Hall at 7.30pm Ribcaged’s adult and youth groups are staging A Night at the Theatre.

Entertainment on the Tuesday closes with Almost Blue Jazz Trio, also in the village hall.

Wednesday sees award winning folk duo Gilmore and Roberts performing in the village hall; the school disco for the children of St Wilfrid’s and Tales from the North Country at Potters Barn.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On Thursday, July 21 the classical music duo Polaris will be appearing in the village hall. On Friday, there is a talk and musical extracts on opera in St Peter and Paul’s parish centre, with a performance by local singer Ella Shaw in the village hall at 7.30pm.

Singer Rick GuardSinger Rick Guard
Singer Rick Guard

The Beloose Brothers - a Blues Brothers tribute act - with Gaz Jenkins and Kieran Sims close the evening.

There will be a tea party at the parish centre with The Sparkle Sisters and a range of bands will be playing at Rock on the Rec, raising funds for a new pavilion for Ribchester FC on Saturday.

Singers Rick Guard and Phil Rice will be performing on Saturday night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The festivities close on Sunday July 24, with a family fun day at the parish centre in the afternoon, the Diverso String Quartet in the village hall and the finale at the sports and social club is a Abba tribute group, The Abbarettes.

Tickets for all shows are available from The Ribchester Arms, The Whalley Wine Shop, Ribcaged in Clitheroe and by telephoning Keith on 01254 878479.

Related topics: