The Altrincham Festival, the biggest free event in Trafford, is back this weekend for a 48th year.
A team of volunteers have once again worked hard to pull the annual event together, which this year will include the famous Grand Parade and two days of family fun at Beechfields in Timperley.
What is the Altrincham Festival?
The Altrincham Festival started in 1977 as part of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. It’s always been volunteer-run and not-for-profit.
The Grand Parade gives local good causes, charities and businesses the chance to showcase what they do.
When is the Altrincham Festival?
Altrincham Festival and Grand Parade takes place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June.
The Grand Parade starts at 11am on Saturday and the Showground Event – which takes place on the Beechfields recreation grounds off Grange Avenue in Timperley – lasts between 11am and 6pm on Saturday and 11am and 6pm on Sunday.
What route will the Grand Parade take?
The Grand Parade starts at 11am at St Margaret’s Road, travels down The Downs, Railway Street and Stamford New Road in Altrincham town centre before continuing over the Woodlands Parkway flyover on to Stockport Road.
The parade will then continue on to Timperley village before turning left up Park Road and then right on to Grange Avenue, before arriving at Beech Fields.
The parade is likely to pass The Old Hall pub at approximately 11.30am, turn at the former Hare and Hounds pub at 11.45pm, hit Timperley village at around 12 noon and Beech Fields by 12.30pm. There will be rolling road blocks in place.
Who is taking part in the Grand Parade?
This year there will be 48 participants in the parade, the largest turnout in over 15 years.
Floats will include tractors, show trucks, community groups, local schools, animals and local businesses.
What’s happening on the Beech Fields Showground?
The showground will be open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
There will be a full stage line-up of dancers, choirs, bands and vocalists.
On both days there will be a John Collins Fun Fair on the showground, as well as a variety of food and drink stalls, local business stalls, Shetland Ponies, a full bar, and a children’s area with inflatables and activities.
This year’s dog show is hosted by Starbarks, sponsored by Buchanan Vets, and will be held from 11am to 3pm on Sunday (sign up from 9.30am).
Categories will include Golden Oldies, Rescue Dogs, Best Turned Out, Prettiest Girl, Most Handsome Boy, Best Trick, Waggiest Tail and Large Breeds.
Registration starts at the dog show arena at 9.30am on both days.
There will also be a car boot sale on Sunday, open for traders from 9am. To book your spot, contact Paul on 07791 780881.
