ALTRINCHAM is gearing up for a major arts festival.

Artists, venues and events have been announced for Hidden Altrincham, the town’s summer art festival which will take place from 14-24 September 14-24.

Artwork from more than 50 artists will be exhibited in 30 locations across town and there will be daily events and live experiences.

Festival organisers, Jo Cushing and Yoko Isami say the festival will shine a spotlight on Altrincham’s culture, heritage, architecture, independent shops, cafes and restaurants, imaginative residents and exciting businesses.

Jo and Yoko are delighted with the variety of exhibitors who will be taking part in Hidden Altrincham . The list includes both budding young talent and internationally successful artists across different genres including collage, fine art, photography, sculpture and ceramics.

For the first time, the performing arts will be included with live music, a poetry evening and storytelling.

Altrincham artist Paola Bazz is taking part in Hidden Altrincham for the second time and her work will be found in the Conservative Club on Greenwood Street. Italian born Paola has an international reputation and her 3 D collages have been exhibited to great reviews in Europe and the USA

Phi Hardaker is a new exhibitor but a well- established artist who describes his work as ‘archaeological sculptural paintings’.

Phil creates his art from ceramic clay and found objects and his work celebrates the English tradition of creativity in ceramics.

He has been commissioned to produce pieces for the Royal Family and the Houses of Parliament.

Amongst the new talent in the exhibition is fine artist Conor Rogers.

Conor only graduated in 2014 but he has already won the John Moore Painting Prize and his work has been exhibited nationally and in New York.

Conor transforms ordinary throwaway items such as beer mats and crisp packets, into extraordinary precious objects by painting depictions of everyday life on them in acrylic. Conor’s work will be in 47 – 49 Stamford Park Road.

Photographer Graham Douglas will be exhibiting a series of photographs that celebrate the volunteers who bring so much colour to the town centre with the Altrincham in Bloom project, including the project manager, Sarah Walmsley.

the organisers believe that during the 10 days of the festival Altrincham will be buzzing with an amazing variety of events.

The largest will be an attempt to break the World Record for Life Drawing. This event is for over 16s only and both clothed and unclothed models will be available.

Anyone looking for a spooky shiver is invited to a ghost story evening at atmospheric Mort Subite bar on Greenwood Street. There are several events for children, including a Sketch Altrincham session in Goose Green, Animation in Fablab and a Spot the Fox arts trail around the town. The creative talent of Altrincham will also be represented by exhibitions and Open Days with Atrincham Arts Society, Altrincham Embroiderer’s Guild and others.

The value of Hidden Altrincham has been recognised by the Manchester based arts and travel website, Creative Tourist , which is sponsoring the festival.

Creative Tourist highlights the best cultural events in the UKs most creative destinations. Director Alex Saint complimented Jo and Yoko on the programme and commented

“This is just what Altrincham needs and needs more of to help make Altrincham the place it could and should be culturally. Thank you, Open Studios!”