Cracking festival Gromit!

by Nick Webster. Published Wed 01 Jul 2009 09:37

Prescot Festival defied the economic downturn and broke all records, with the largest audiences in its four-year history.

The 10-day programme of arts and music attracted crowds of up to 250 at a time with the "voice of Wallace" actor Peter Sallis topping the bill.

National treasure Sallis, 88, had fans queuing around the block for his "Audience With" show in which he talked of he career including roles in Last of the Summer Wine and Wallace and Gromit.

"Sorry - Full House" signs were put up for the first time ever when Birkenhead Operatic Society's Songs from the Shows had Prescot's Methodist Centre bursting at the seams.

"With Capital of Culture behind us and the current recession, we expected an uphill struggle to improve on '08's Festival," said Artistic Director Dr Robert Howard, "but it's been our most successful year yet."

The 2009 line-up also included an opening night with regular Festival favourites Fairey Band, a come-and-sing performance of highlights from Handel's Messiah, and a big band finale with Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats.

Preparations are already under way for the 2010 Festival, which will centre on the 400th anniversary celebrations of Prescot's historic Parish Church, Knowsley's only Grade I listed building.

More information about the Prescot Festival and other events year-round in Prescot can be found at the official website: www.prescotfestival.co.uk.