Stockton Heath Festival returns attracting thousands of people into the area

Pictures John Hopkins

STOCKTON Heath Festival returned over an extended weekend, with over 50 activities to enjoy for all ages and interests, attracting thousands of visitors to the area.

Many events included medleys of music, art and craft, theatre, dance, a dog show and much more.

The Festival, returning after an absence of three years due to the pandemic, celebrated the wonderful diversity of art and culture, showcasing local and national talent, with the community coming together over an extended weekend, which started last Thursday and finishing, last night Sunday.

The Festival Field proved popular where visitors explored marquees to discover an art class or pottery workshop, Soul Federation, sessions for babies, shows for children, and Schwing vintage band. Open spaces in and around Stockton Heath village also took part. In Grappenhall Walled Gardens there was open air theatre with the fantastic Ilyria performing Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

There were also heritage walks around the village.

Many community venues also took pat including St Thomas’ Church which hosted the Art Exhibition displaying local talent, a wonderful summer musical theatre showcase from students at Priestley College, and the library for poetry, storytelling and other activities.

The Greyhound Trust raised over £1000 thanks to the generosity of people visiting the festival and taking part in the dog show and making donations. A comedy night also raised £224 in the raffle for The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

The event concluded with a soul night in the main marquee featuring the Soul Federation.