Aroundtown Magazine May June 2022 Edition

OUT & ABOUT
Twisted –
Festival of
Natural Art
Saturday 28th May – Sunday
12th June
Do you remember Barnsley’s
fantastical beasts from last year?
Well, the giant willow sculptures are
back for 2022 alongside a host of
natural art events.
The Twisted trail will see eight
beasts pop up around the town
centre at various venues from
Eldon Street to the Metrodome.
Barnsley Council have worked
with three willow weavers, Sarah
Hayes, Emma Parkins and Leilah
Vyner to create sculptures using
sustainable materials.
As with last year, the beasts
are inspired by Barnsley legends,
people and myths. The popular
griffin and unicorn are returning
along with six new beasts created
specifically for the event. The eight
remaining original beasts from
last year – bear, cat, elephant,
kestrel, lion, mermaid, reindeer and
whale - will take pride of place at
Barnsley’s principal towns.
In keeping with the natural
theme, a series of events are
planned over the two weeks.
On launch day, join in the fun
from 11am to 4pm. Activities for
families to take part in will include
willow weaving and land art school
in the Glass Works Square, with
stone balancing, mandala art
and chalkboard painting. Take a
free ride on the Bewonderment
Machine, a cycle powered
carousel. Barnsley Libraries will
also be doing readings of the
popular Stick Man story.
There will be a special visit from
the Mayor of Schwabisch Gmund,
Barnsley’s twin town in Germany,
as well as performances from
the Frumptarn Guggenband and
Silkstone Morris Dancers.
Throughout opening weekend,
why not join the Un-Naturalists
for a walking history tour with
a difference. These eccentric
performers will be retelling
Barnsley’s heritage from the town
hall to the Glass Works at 12pm
and 2.30pm on Saturday 28th and
Sunday 29th May.
From Monday 30th May, be
amazed by spectacular sand art
as artists Sand in Your Eyes create
a giant sculpture in Glass Works
Square. Across the jubilee bank
holiday weekend on Thursday
2nd and Friday 3rd June, they
will also be holding family sand
workshops for visitors to make
their own sculptures – albeit on
a smaller scale.
On Saturday 4th June, more
natural art activities continue with
willow dream catcher making and
Royal cardboard crown workshops
at the Lightbox.
Barnsley Live
Saturday 18th June 12pm-10pm
Music lovers rejoice. The everpopular
charity live music festival is
back for 2022 with the biggest and
best Barnsley Live yet.
After last year’s gig in October,
the annual one-day event is back
to its early summer slot where
over 200 bands and musicians are
set to take to stages across 20 of
the very best venues in the town
centre. The line-up will include a
range of genres, from rock and
punk to folk and blues, as well as a
bit of pop for good measure.
The free event showcases an
eclectic mix of venues that are just
a stone’s throw from each other,
creating a trail of performances in
micropubs and mega crowds. New
for this year is an outdoor stage in
the Glass Works Square, bringing
an urban festival feel to the
town centre.
As ever, Barnsley Live supports
nominated local charities through
the donations of its generous
attendees. Not only will you be
helping raise funds for good
causes, but also backing some
of the town’s first-rate musicians.
For the full line-up and to plan
your listening schedule, download
the Barnsley Live app from the
App Store or Google Play.
Coming in July and August
Get set for a summer of fun with Barnsley’s Big Weekend, the annual
Mayor’s Day, a new brass band music festival and Dancing Town.
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