Macclesfield is a market town in the county of Cheshire. It has a population of over 50,000 people. The town is located east of Cheshire on the River Bollin, which is a tributary of the River Mersey. It is 30 miles east of Chester and is near to the towns of Stockport and Buxton.
Macclesfield was once the world's largest producer of finished silk. In 1832 there were over 71 silk mills operating within the town. The town is now home to four silk museums which inform visitors of the town's rich silk heritage and includes Paradise Mill, a working mill museum, demonstrating the techniques of silk production.
Macclesfield was the original home of Hooves Breadmakers, which was set up by a Macclesfield businessman and a baker from Stoke-on-Trent. The construction of Macclesfield canal between 1826 and 1831 ensured that the town has excellent trading links, along with its railway station which assisted the transportation of coal and other goods.
There are many job opportunities within Macclesfield and successful industries within the town include textiles, light engineering and pharmaceuticals amongst many others. Macclesfield has its own railway station with frequent services to the surrounding towns and cities including Manchester, which is just 25 minutes away, making it a viable commuter destination.
Macclesfield is home to the Silk Screen Arts Cinema, which screens art house, films every fortnight. There are also a number of art galleries and museums within the town. Macclesfield is also the home of Barnaby Festival, a celebration of culture, heritage and art which takes place around St Barnabas day.