THE annual Stockton Heath Festival will take place from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th July 2024, bringing a packed programme celebrating art, culture and heritage.
There will be something for everyone and if you like live music the festival will bring an eclectic mix from soul to rock, classical to choral. New for this year is a double-bill of local bands on Friday 5th July featuring The Fleegles a blend of youth and experience, and The Bemonts a southern rock band from Warrington. The Killers Kollective tribute band take the Main Marquee stage on Saturday and The Deltatones is the festival finale on Sunday.
In terms of Shakespeare, “wherefore art thou?” The answer is at the festival’s open-air theatre in the stunning Grappenhall Walled Garden! On Saturday 6th July the festival will showcase one of the Bard’s most popular works: Romeo and Juliet. A festival favourite, visitors will be encouraged to take a picnic while enjoying Illyria’s performance of this classic.
Events cater for all ages and interests, from Baby Sensory to Sublime Science, “To Absurdity and Beyond” song and verse, and comedy theatre brought by “My Friend Miss Flint”. If you prefer to take part then dancing, art and craft workshops, and circus skills tasters are for you. If you love local history, choose from three walks where you can learn about Appleton and Stockton Heath village life and in conjunction with West Cheshire Museums, there will be a free interactive drop-in “olden days” session to discover how the local Victorians lived.
The whole community is involved in the long Stockton Heath Festival weekend. Follow a Heritage Trail in and around Stockton Heath Village, enjoy poetry and “Rumble in the Jungle” story time in the library and events in the Scout Centre including the popular Comedy Night on Thursday 4th July. The Art Exhibition at St Thomas’ Church runs throughout the festival attracting many visitors and a wealth of local talent (artists are being encouraged to exhibit their work – visit the website to fill in the entry form). New for 2024 are workshops, and a life drawing session with Vicar Michael, who will be resplendent in his vestments.
A hive of activity, the Festival Field will be packed with events night and day. On Sunday 7th July “Animals Take Over” featuring a Royal Python and Bearded Dragon, and the “pupp-ular” Dog Show returns. If you believe your pooch could win the “waggiest tail” prize, come along! Within various marquees will be shows and more, surrounded by an artisan market. The Festival Field is a great place to meet and enjoy the summery festival atmosphere, food and drink.
Many of the events are free and others remain at an affordable price. Tickets for paid events go on sale early in June online and in-person and from the Festival Box Office in the Forge Shopping Centre, Stockton Heath village. Watch for updates on the website and social media.
The festival is supported by sponsors and grants, and run entirely by volunteers. The success of the festival is due to your amazing contribution.
Note: events are subject to change.
Freedom Fibre are proudly sponsoring the website: www.stocktonheathfestival.co.uk
