Everything you need to know about the Altrincham Festival 2016

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.

Here’s a rundown of the vital information you need to know.

When is the Altrincham Festival taking place?

This Saturday, July 2nd

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

There are more than 50 groups lined up to take part this year, including marching bands, steam roller floats, both vintage and modern vehicles and walking groups.

The Festival Parade leaves St. Margarets Road, Altrincham at 11am it works its way down the Downs, and onto Stamford New Road.

The Parade then take a right turn onto Stockport Road at the “flyover” were it winds its way up to the Hare and Hounds pub (junction of Wood Lane) Here a left turn is down and the Parade 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 onto Grange Road, which then joins Grange Avenue.

The Altrincham Festival Field can be found at “Beechfields” which is at the bottom of Grange Avenue.

Subject to a number of things, it’s expected the Grand Parade will arrive on the Festival Fields 12.30-1pm.

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, and the Festival Showground is open from 10am to 5pm. There’ll be stalls, a music area, fairground attractions, Punch & Judy, food stalls, bars and much 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: