LEEK ARTS FESTIVAL
Local artists back plans for festival P LANS are gathering pace for the return of one of the area s biggest cultural events after two years of Covid cancellations. Organisers of Leek Arts Festival have confirmed that their programme for this year s extravaganza is set to see more than 40 different events going ahead over the six weeks between mid-April and early June. As well as national and international stars, there will also be many local artists and performers taking part. Festival chairman Phil Edmeades, said: The deadline for events to be included in the printed programme has now passed and we re delighted that so many local groups and individual artists have come forward with their own plans. We did fear that the aftermath of the Covid crisis would leave many people hesitant about getting involved in this year s festival but that hasn't proved to be the case. LAF organisers had already confirmed gigs by international artists including Eddi Reader, Boothby Graffoe and Fairport Convention would feature in the 2022 festival. Now, they have revealed that among the more local artists taking part will be classic rockers Climax Blues Band and Leek-born and bred jazz
Climax Blues Band supremo Gareth Lockrane. Former Leek High School student Gareth is acknowledged as the UK s premier jazz flautist and, as well as leading his own internationally renowned big band, has a history of playing with other top names in jazz such as the legendary Quincy Jones and the James Taylor Quartet.
