UPWARDS of 3,000 walkers, accompanied by up to 10 marching bands, took part in today’s Warrington Walking Day – believed to be the 180th to have been held.
Road closures in the town centre started from around 7.30am, with no traffic allowed into the central area until after 1pm.
As predicted by the Met Office, the morning starteded overcast but as the procession got under way from the Town Hall lawn there were no more than a few spsots of rain – certainly not enough to dampen the spirts of the walkers.
Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr and Mrs Ted Finnegan (pictured left) took the salute from a raised dais in front of the Golden Gates as representatives of the various churches, schools and other organisations marched proudly passed.
The procession was headed as usual by a contingent from Warrington Parish Church and St John’s Mission Church, followed by St Mary’s RC Church.
Other churches and groups taking part included the Salvation Army, Elmwood Avenue Church, St John’s United Reformed Church, Our Lady’s, St Augustine’s Church, Latchford Methodist Church, Christ Church, Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School, St James Church, Latchford Baptist Church, St Benedict’s Church, Buckley Street Methodist Church, Friars Green Independent Methodists, Bold Street Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Church, Warrington Baptist Church, Wycliffe United Reformed Church, Youth for Christ, Society of Friends, St Andrew’s Church, St Stephen’s Church, St Barnabas’ Church, Workingmen’s Mission, Sacred Heart Church, St Alban’s Church and St Anselm’s Church.
The procession followed a route along Sankey Street, Arpley Street, Museum Street, St Austin’s Lane and Friars Gate, where it turned right into Bridge Street and performed a U-turn near Bridge Foot.
It then returned up Bridge Street to Market Gate and Horsemarket Street. The inner town centre was effectively closed all traffic but was expected to be re-opened around 1pm.
Erica Mathews from the Silver Bell/Red Rose Jazz Band
Rev Lee Gilbert with Christ Church Latchford
Warrington Pipe Band
