An event to celebrate all things Gallic wouldn’t be complete without a bit of cycling – and this weekend’s Altrincham French Festival will be no different.
Five instructors from Pure Gym in Altrincham, led by general manager Antonio Scimeca, will take two 30-minute classes of their ‘Grit and Hiit’ workouts at Stamford Park prior to the official opening by local MP Graham Brady.
The classes will run alongside an Under-10s tag rugby union tournament, played to Rugby Football Union guidelines and organized by Altrincham Kersal Club.
And Pure Gym will also supply four static bikes for festival goers to join an afternoon chain gang.
Below: The full programme for Sunday’s festival in Stamford Park
“Pure Gym recently announced Sir Chris Hoy as one of our ambassadors so it seems fitting, especially with the Tour de France underway, to have a cycling element at the festival,” says Antonio.
“Throughout the afternoon visitors can attempt to see how fast they can ride one kilometre.
“There won’t be a gold medal for the quickest rider but we will be putting up a prize. There will be other giveaways during the Festival, including one-day free passes.”
Festival director Zainul Sachak confirmed he will be getting on his bike and might be also persuaded to go for a Grit and HIIT burn.
Below: Festival director Zainul (driving) taking part in the Altrincham Festival parade last weekend
He said: “I’m sure the workouts (at 10 am and 11am) will be well attended and we can set some sort of mass participation record for this type of class. Mums and dads can join in while the rugby tournament is in full swing.”
The festival isn’t just hard work though – it’s free admission for an afternoon of fine food, wine and entertainment.
There’s a live demo of graffiti art by Manchester based Russ Meehan, magic by illusionist Guillaume Vallee, music from the Stockport Accordion Players, singing from Altrincham’s own women’s choir Absolute Belters, Manchester-based jazz group Swing Commanders, French singer Laura Esther and numerous other activities including face painting, art exhibition, a treasure hunt and the results of a schools’ art competition.
And after raising £4,000 over the last two years, Marie Curie Cancer Care will be holding a raffle draw throughout Sunday’s celebrations.
Below: The programme for Saturday night’s Bastille event at Bowdon Rugby Club
The centre-piece of the weekend will be Saturday night’s ‘Bastille’ dinner; a three-course gastronomical treat, including live music from jazz group Gobble-de-Gook (led by French band leader Xtof Lheureux), local opera singer Jayne Wilson and a fireworks display to guarantee the evening goes with a bang!
There are only a few tickets left – priced at £30 – so diners are advised to get in touch to secure their place.
More details can be found on the festival website.
Below: The French Festival team at the Altrincham Festival on Saturday
