THOUSANDS of people descended on Padgate over the weekend for the second Padgate Food & Craft Festival – with Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols among those enjoying the community event.
The free two-day festival was held at Bennetts Recreation Ground on Saturday and Sunday, bringing together independent food and drink traders, craft businesses, live entertainment and family attractions.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which attracted more than 3,000 visitors, organisers Artisan Market Group expanded the festival for 2026. (Warrington Worldwide)
Visitors were able to sample a wide variety of street food and artisan produce while browsing stalls selling handmade crafts and other goods from independent traders.
There was also plenty of entertainment, with live music and DJs helping to create a festival atmosphere throughout the weekend.
One of the major additions this year was Silcocks Fair, bringing traditional fairground attractions to the recreation ground alongside an inflatable play village, children’s entertainment and other family activities.
The event was designed to provide an affordable day out, with free entry throughout the weekend, allowing families to come and go without the cost of an admission charge. (Warrington Worldwide)
Among those attending was Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols, who took the opportunity to meet visitors, traders and members of the local community.
Charlotte Nichols drumming up support
Her appearance at the festival provided an opportunity to meet local people away from Westminster and hear directly from residents and small businesses.
The festival also gave independent traders an opportunity to showcase their products to a large local audience, with organisers highlighting their aim of supporting businesses from Warrington and across the North West.
The event was held in collaboration with Poulton & Fearnhead Council and Palmyra Bar, according to organisers.
With food, craft stalls, entertainment, children’s activities and the funfair all operating alongside each other, the weekend provided a colourful celebration of independent businesses and community life in Padgate.
And after another successful turnout for its second year, organisers will be hoping the Padgate Food & Craft Festival can establish itself as a regular fixture in Warrington’s summer events calendar.
