Festival organiser hails “one of the best years” as 25,000 turn out in the sunshine

The organiser of the Altrincham Festival has hailed one of its best ever years after crowds of up to 25,000 turned out in the sunshine.

Tony Fishwick, who was organising the festival for the 25th year, said the numbers were such he “couldn’t see any grass” on the festival showground on Beech Fields in Timperley.

Stall-holders had also also reported back that they had done “really, really well” on the day, with the owner of one craft stall “staggered” to make over £600 on the day.

On a hot summer’s day, thousands took to the streets around Altrincham to watch the parade journey from St Margaret’s Road to the showground site at the end of Grange Avenue in Timperley.

Fishwick said: “I thought it was a very interesting parade this year. We tried to put on different things and there were quite a lot of walkers with the guides, air and sea cadets.

“There were also all those steam rollers, which many young people would not have seen before.”

As for the festival showground, he added: “There must have been around 20 to 25,000 people altogether. I couldn’t see any grass, just bobbing heads!

“We had tried to get the Reel Time Stunt Show last year, and actually booked them way back in November. I thought they brought something different and were very entertaining.

“The birds of prey enhanced the show and the dog show was a big attraction, but what I thought was particularly nice was in the music area, where people were just sitting down and listening to local bands and young talent. It’s what the festival is all about.”

Fishwick, who said he organises “80-85%” of the day single-handedly, said the last three years had been his best in the quarter of a century he has been organiser.

“It’s nice we can all on one day for what I still say is the biggest free show in Trafford,” he added.

More pictures from the parade: