THE Hidden Altrincham arts festival will be back for a second year this September, and is looking for community involvement to build on the success of last year’s event.

After a public vote, Open Studios Altrincham has been awarded £1000 from the Aviva Community Fund to run Hidden Altrincham again this year. A further grant of £2000 to market and promote the event has been received from Altrincham Unlimited.

Hidden Altrincham will take place in venues across the town from September 14-24.

In 2016 the festival exhibited the work of seven internationally renowned artists, including Altrincham-based Paola Bazz, and a further 25 artists in cafes, shops, restaurants and offices. This year the festival is being extended to include musicians, poets, dancers, in fact anything that comes under the definition of ‘the Arts’.

Anyone interested in getting involved, whether as an artist, volunteer, sponsor or venue, is invited to an open meeting at 7.30pm on March 2, at Open Studios, 10 Ashley Road (first floor) Altrincham.

Jo Cushing, the lead organiser of Hidden Altrincham, and her team hope this will be a great opportunity to start a conversation and develop ideas for the festival with all interested parties.

Jo said: “Some of the best ideas come from chance happenings when people who don’t usually come together meet. Big quirky, collaborations, or small and simple projects - we would like to hear about them all.”

Jo and the team are looking for an army of volunteers to get involved in promotion, marketing and media, signage and decorations, project and event management and as runners and general helpers.

Jo added: “It’s is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved in their community and enjoy being part of a festival. It will be a great experience, particularly for young people.”

If you would like to sponsor an event or a particular artist, contact Anne Earley on 07932 116398.