Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

LEEK'S rich textiles heritage will be celebrated during an exciting new arts fiesta running from Saturday, July 4 to Sunday, July 19.

Supported by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, the Three Shires Textile Festival will boast more than 50 events across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.

Highlights of the two-week programme will include exhibitions and events at Leek to mark the centenary of the death of eminent industrialist, philanthropist and arts patron Thomas Wardle.

Churches in the town will throw open their doors to showcase the work of the famous Leek Embroidery Society, founded by Thomas' wife, Elizabeth. Other ecclesiastical textiles of significance will also be displayed while textile conservation workshops will explain how to look after precious, ageing fabrics.

The festival is being organised by Visit Chester and Cheshire (VCC), the Cheshire tourism board. VCC is working not only in partnership with the district council but also with Congleton and Macclesfield Borough Councils, South East Cheshire Enterprise, and Visit Peak District and Derbyshire.

Staffordshire Moorlands aside, high-profile events will include two major textile exhibitions at Macclesfield's Silk Museum.

Said district councillor Mark Deaville, portfolio holder for leisure, sport and culture: "This two-week programme promises an exciting mix of exhibitions, talks, tours, textile craft fairs, fabric sales and workshops. I have no doubt that it will be a roaring success and establish a template for similar events in the future".

To order a free festival brochure, e-mail your name and address to Alice Ferguson at a.ferguson@visitchesterandcheshire.co.uk.