It’s the biggest free show in Trafford this weekend, and perhaps the standout highlight of the Altrincham calendar.
With more events than ever before, this year’s Altrincham Festival looks set to be the best yet – and if the forecasts are accurate, it’s going to be a scorcher too.
Organisers are still looking for volunteers for the big day – more information on that below – but here are all the details for the big day.
When is the Altrincham Festival taking place?
This Saturday, July 4th
What route does the Festival Parade take?
Start point: St Margaret’s Road
End point: Beechfields Recreation Ground, at the end of Grange Avenue, Timperley
The Festival Parade leaves St Margaret’s Road in Altrincham at 11am and works its way down The Downs and on to Stamford New Road.
The Parade then takes a right turn on to Stockport Road at the “flyover” where it winds its way up to the Hare and Hounds pub (junction of Wood Lane). Here the Parade takes a left and heads towards Timperley village.
At the main traffic lights in Timperley village, the Parade takes a left turn onto Park Road, over the railway bridge and a right turn is taken on to Grange Road, which then joins Grange Avenue.
The Altrincham Festival Field can be found at Beechfields Recreation Ground, which is at the bottom of Grange Avenue.
Subject to a number of things, the Parade is expected to arrive on the Festival Showground between 12.30pm and 1pm.
What if I’m taking part in the Festival Parade?
For anyone or any group taking part, the dressing of your float or vehicle should take place before you check in on St Margaret’s Road. For safety reasons, drop off people on Devisdale Road or Groby Road.
Please note that on Festival day, St Margaret’s Road is one-way, and to gain entry you will need to come in from Dunham Road (A56).
What’s happening on the Festival Showground?
There’s a huge array of attractions on Festival Field for all the family. As well as a John Collins fairground, there are stalls, a music area, Punch & Judy, food stalls and a bar. There will also be Fire Engine and displays to inspect, a fairground Organ display, and much more.
In the main arena, there will be a spectacular stunt show, a birds of prey display, a samba band, an appearance by the Breaston Highlanders marching band, a dance display by JanNik Dance, the Fun Dog Show and the Fabulous Fun Train.
Approximate arena times are as follows:
- 1.15 JanNik Dance
- 2.00 Footsteps Dance
- 2.20 Breaston Highlanders
- 2.45 Stunt Show
- 3.20 Birds of Prey
- 3.50 Stunt Show
- 4.25 Birds of Prey
Entry is completely FREE!
Is it too late to get involved?
No – the festival is still looking for help from groups, businesses and any other organisations.
It’s also looking for volunteers to help, to be required between 8am and 3pm (refreshments will be provided on the day).
For anyone who still wants to take part in the Festival Parade, contact 0161 374 3296.
For any enquiries about taking part on the Festival Showground, contact Tony Fishwick on 0161 980 3223 or email tonyfishwick@ntlworld.com
There’s a car boot sale, too
Festival organisers are bringing back the Giant Car Boot Sale – contact laura@fathomit.co.uk for more details.
Don’t forget about all these other Festival events
Colin Paul at the Cresta Court Hotel on Friday 17th July. Tickets are £11.00 each, including the famous Chicken and Chips meal, and can be bought from Tony Fishwick on 0161 980 3223.
Joy Nicholson Dance at the Garrick Theatre on Sunday 5th July 2015
Altrincham Festival Quiz at the Railway in Hale
Kaleidoscope Big Band on Thursday 9th July at the Cresta Court Hotel
Sequence Dance at Larkhill Centre on Friday 10th July
Festival Golf Fun Day at Altrincham Golf Course on Sunday 12th July
Beating of the Bounds on Sunday 12th July
For more details, see the Festival website. Pictures: Neil Taylor
