THIS year’s Stockton Heath Festival will be the first since it was launched five years ago NOT to coincide with the village Walking Day.
Walking Day will be on Saturday July 7 while the festival will run from Thursday, July 12 to Sunday July 15.
Festival founder Tudor Pole (pictured) said: “Neither of us have changed our dates – it’s happened by accident really.
“Stockton Heath Walking Day is traditionally held on the second Saturday after Warrington Walking Day, which is on June 29 this year.
“But we thought the village walk was on the second Saturday in July and went ahead on that basis, not taking into account that June 30 was a Saturday.
“There was some talk last year about moving the festival so it would not clash with the Walk, but it has happened by accident.
“It will mean the festival will miss the ‘magnet’ of the Walk to bring people into the village on the Saturday, but on the other hand we will be free to plan our Saturday events without worrying whether they will clash with the Walk.
“So what we lose on the roundabouts, we may gain on the swings.
“At least we will find out whether or not either event suffers and will be able to plan accordingly next year.”
When the festival was launched in 2008, it was felt that by overlapping with Walking Day, both events might benefit. At that time, Walking Day was thought to be losing its appeal and in need of a boost.
But in the years since, the Walk has regained its popularity and is attracting larger crowds than ever.
Festival goes it alone – by accident!
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