Macclesfield Textile Week

Macclesfield is set to honour its global reputation for industry and creativity with the launch of Macclesfield Textile Week. Taking place 19 – 27 September 2026, the festival represents the coming-together of Macclesfield’s cultural community and connects the town’s mighty industrial past with its vibrant, creative present.

From its humble beginnings as a cottage industry, where women and children meticulously wrapped silk buttons, to a global powerhouse hosting 70 mills at its peak, Macclesfield’s history is rooted in industrious ingenuity. Today, that spirit lives on through a sophisticated network of textile artists, skilled residents, and innovative local businesses.

Highlights are set to include immersive workshops where visitors can learn everything from traditional silk-working techniques to contemporary textile art, expert-led talks on the town’s global influence, and community showcases featuring local schools and creative charities.

The full programme will be announced in June but there are ways for interested partners, groups and individuals to start getting involved now.

For example, organisers are currently asking for contributions of handmade quilts, squares or blankets, to form part of an exhibition at Christ Church during the festival. -If you’re interested in submitting something, please contact theroenaissanceproject@gmail.com

Organisers are also looking for volunteers to help steward events during the week. If you would like to be part of the team, contact macctextileweek@gmail.com

To find out more, including signing up to the newsletter to be first for updates on the festival, visit www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk/textileweek