The organisers of the Altrincham French Festival are looking to expand the event into the town centre next year after seeing visitor numbers double this year.
Around 5,000 enjoyed the sunshine and a huge variety of Gallic-themed food, drink, music and sport in Stamford Park on Sunday, the third year the festival has been run.
And Zainul Sachak, the festival’s director, is already planning on growing the event for 2016 – and has even been approached to stage a similar event in another part of Cheshire.
“Each year our French Festival has grown and there is clearly an appetite for what we are doing,” said Sachak. “It is hard work but rewarding when everything comes together and you receive fabulous feedback.
Below: Graham Brady MP during the official opening in Stamford Park
Graham Brady MP opening the @AltyFrenchFest #Altrincham pic.twitter.com/NGiJZEJ5Md
— Altrincham Today (@altrinchamtoday) July 12, 2015
“Next year, I’d love to take the festival into Altrincham town centre for a weekend of French themed activities.
“We saw this time that word has spread outside the area with people coming from far and wide. We can make Altrincham a destination for people to visit.
“The core element will remain in Stamford Park but I believe there is scope to spread the Festival into town.”
Local MP Graham Brady was again on hand to open the festival and also handed out prizes to the winners of the mini tag rugby World Cup, organized by Altrincham Kersal RU.
“Every year there are more stalls, more activities, more families having fun and more money being raised for Marie Curie,” he said. “What Zainul has managed to achieve is a fabulous occasion which is slightly eccentric. But we are all happy to come and enjoy it.”
Below: ABCD Dance during one of their routines on Sunday
Well this was something special from @ABCDdance at the @AltyFrenchFest #Altrincham pic.twitter.com/cBZwolHPFv
— Altrincham Today (@altrinchamtoday) July 12, 2015
Dr Carole Mindham, chair of the Altrincham Marie Curie Support Group, added: “We would like to say a huge thank you to all the visitors, stall holders, volunteers and customers who supported our Marie Curie activities at Altrincham’s French Festival.
“Our target was £2000 and, with money still coming in I think we will make it! Thank you for your support and your generosity, the money will be used to support any terminally ill patient who wants to stay at home.”
Organisers said that stall-holders had reported a “roaring trade” throughout the day.
Performers on the day included Little Belters, Absolute Belters, Laura Esther, Swing Commanders and ABCD Dance. French born actress Marie Triboulet, aka Mademoiselle Ooh La La, was the roving MC in the park.
Below: More pictures from the event on Sunday:
