WITH rising costs and the future of the event under serious threat, Stockton Heath Festival organisers have launched a CrowdFunding page to ensure the popular event can take place next year and beyond.
Despite the Festival’s popularity and strong attendance, the charity has faced financial losses since 2023. That steady erosion of reserves has put the Festival at real risk of closure.
Without a significant change in fortune, 2026 is likely to be the last Festival. Independent festivals are competing with larger for-profit events with bigger budgets and greater access to public funding bodies.
Since 2023 Festival costs have risen sharply and financial support has shrunk:
• Rising infrastructure costs – marquee hire alone has increased by around £5,000 in the past two years.
• Sponsorship has been harder to secure as local businesses tighten their belts.
• Warrington Borough Council has withdrawn its grant.
At the height of summer the Stockton Heath Festival creates a buzz of conversation in the air, along with the sound of laughter, music and of friends and family sharing their own special memories. Since 2008 the proudly independent community charity has been bringing art, culture and heritage activities to thousands of residents and visitors alike – with many free making the Festival accessible to all.
The annual Festival was created with one purpose in mind: to bring the community together to discover new experiences and promote the area. As a celebration of performers and artists, tragedy and comedy, makers and bakers, children’s craft and creativity right on our doorstep, the extended summer Festival weekend feels like it belongs to us all.
Today, organisers are asking for your help to protect those special moments for 2027 and beyond – securing this popular local tradition that has become part of who we are.
The extended weekend in July when the village glows with opportunity. You can soak up a varied programme of free entertainment, celebrating the best of local emerging and established talent. The day may start for little ones dancing, or choosing to get creative and messy in a workshop, or trying a new sport. As the heat builds, activities expand to walks and talks to discover the rich heritage woven into our streets, a popular Art Exhibition, or visiting the artisan market. Experience harmony singing, classical music, or open-air theatre wrapped in a blanket, picnic on the grass, as the evening air turns golden. When the sun sinks lower, you enter the Main Marquee on the Festival Field for dancing and singing along to fine musicians – together, as one village.
A festival spokesperson said: “We can deliver a fantastic Festival in 2026 which is already fully funded – but the future for 2027 and beyond is in doubt unless we act now.
“Our Crowdfunding target is £5,000. This figure bridges the gap between the 2024 and 2026 marquee hire price. Reaching this target would secure the equipment for 2027.
“Even if we sell every ticket this would only cover about 40% of the production cost of the Festival each year. Overheads have increased year on year but as the mission of the Festival remains to ensure activities are accessible to a wide audience there are many free events, particularly for children and families. Connected to this is making sure the Festival is bringing to the community a diverse range of art, culture and heritage events without prohibitive pricing for groups or families.
“If we fail to reach our fundraising target and are unable to deliver a 2027 Festival, please be assured: your donation will still contribute to this community event. Instead of securing infrastructure your contribution will support one or more events that stay true to the values of sharing arts, culture, and heritage – keeping the spirit of the Festival alive in the area.
“Because the Festival isn’t just something that happens in Stockton Heath.
“It’s something that happens because of Stockton Heath.”
Donations can be made via https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/7nPr0kal
