The wonder of Warrington Walking Day

VIDEO:WHILE a week is a long time in politics the wonder of Warrington Walking Day carries on after more than 180 years.

While the country has voted to leave Europe and political parties are in disarray it was a case of on with the show as thousands turned out for what is believed to be the 182nd Warrington Walk of Witness.

The Rev. Paul Wilson from St Elphin’s Church led the prayers as he was joined by local churches and Warrington multi faith community in front of the town’s first Muslim Mayor Cllr Faisal Rashid.

Walkers were greeted by a mixture of sunshine, cloud and light showers as they paraded from the town hall through the streets of Warrington. People of all ages, from faith groups and schoolchildren, to musicians, scouts and brownies played their part, surrounded by the sounds of drumming, bagpipes and brass bands, and the sights of colourful flags and costumes.

The Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Faisal Rashid, said: “It has been an absolutely fantastic day. Being part of this special occasion has made me extremely proud to be Mayor of Warrington.

“Everybody knows that celebrating all cultures and strengthening the community bond is hugely important to me, so it was wonderful to see people of all faiths coming together in friendship and unity. And to make a perfect day even better, the rain held off!”

Council leader, Cllr Terry O’Neill, said: “What a great day it has been. Walking Day always brings back fond memories for me of when I was a boy. I would walk from Sacred Heart School, over the bridge, to Bank Park, for the special event. I would have a pocket full of pennies, ready to spend at the fair.

“It’s wonderful, that all these years later, Walking Day is still going strong. It’s such an important part of our history and heritage, and an event which I hope we will always come together to celebrate.”