Top 3 Chorlton Arts Festival events ft Jeffrey Lewis

Returning for its 13th straight year, Chorlton Arts Festival brings a bill of international and emerging artists, bands and performers to local venues, starting this weekend. With churches, bars and cafes across the suburb all opening their doors to the events, there’s plenty of atmosphere and flavours to take in. Here are our best picks from across the festival, which takes place from today through to Sunday 26 May…

Art: Chorlton on Chorlton
A celebration of the hosting village, Chorlton on Chorlton is a contemporary multimedia project created by local media students and Chorlton Good Neighbours Group. Composed of footage from local residents, the project traces from the village’s rich history and culture through to the group’s own footage of Chorlton as they see it today. Soundtracked by original pieces from local musicians, the films will be projected across various venues for the duration of the festival, encouraging festivalgoers to watch, interact and become part of the installations themselves.
Fri 17 May – Sun 26 May, various venues, FREE

Music: The Jeffrey Lewis and Peter Stampfel Band
As part of the final weekend of the festival, known as the Chorlton Weekender, American folk pairing The Jeffrey Lewis and Peter Stampfel Band (pictured) take to St Clements Church for an unmissable performance. Consisting of songwriter and visual artist Jeffrey Lewis and Grammy winner and music veteran Peter Stampfel, the duo combine their talent and exciting collaborative history for this dynamic project.
Sat 25 May, St Clements Church, Edge Lane, M21 9JF, 7.30pm, £10

Performance: Allison McVety at Manky Poets
Allison McVety, Manchester native and shortlistee for Forward Best First Collection, will be heading up an evening of readings by floor poets. Having won the National Poetry Competition in 2011 for her poem To The Lighthouse, Allison will be reading from works that have been featured in the likes of The Times, The Guardian, Poetry Review and on Radio 3.
Fri 17 May, Chorlton Library, Manchester Road, M21 9PN, 7pm, FREE

Full listings available here.