Shakespearean twist for summer festival (From Bucks Free Press)

What do Curiosity Killed the Cat, Rick Astley and an imp called Puck have in common? The Cookham Festival 2011

2:10pm Saturday 26th February 2011 in News By James Nadal

THE antics of the mischievous spirit Puck, fairy queen Titania and man-turned-muel Bottom will give this year's Cookham Festival a Shakespearean twist.

The bards' much loved A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed in the village as part of the bi-annual celebration of arts.

The countdown to the festival has begun in earnest, with a launch party and further announcements of what visitors can expect to see.

Cookham High Street will be transformed for a day, with arts, crafts and foods and “lots of fun to be had by all”, organisers say.

Hot on the heels of the famous Edinburgh event, 2011 sees the first ever Cookham Fringe – with a range of performances to entertain Cookhamites.

Meanwhile 1980s band Curiosity Killed the Cat and singer Rick Astley are the headline acts at the third outdoor music festival Rock the Moor – which coincides with the main event.

Festival Chairman Mike Copeland said: “Cookham Festival 2011 is a celebration of the amazing talent we find across the Cookhams.

“This year we aim to broaden the appeal still further, with innovation and participation, to broaden the appeal still further and to encourage many more people to get involved in different ways.

“Music for all tastes includes a galaxy of talented young musicians as well as established professionals, and features a closing concert by Cookham's Cantorum Choir.”

A sculputre garden at the Odney Club and an art trail, featuring the work of artists from the area, are also on the billing.

Mr Copeland said visitors are in for “11 memorable days”.

The festival takes place from Thursday May 12 to Sunday May 22.