A free two-day family food and craft festival is heading to Warrington this month, bringing together street food, artisan traders, live entertainment and Silcocks Fair for a full weekend of summer fun.
The Padgate Food & Craft Festival 2026 will take place at Bennetts Recreation Ground, Padgate Lane, Warrington, WA2 0DF on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August.
Following a hugely successful first year, which welcomed more than 3,000 visitors, the festival returns for its second year with an expanded programme of attractions for the whole family.
Organised by Artisan Market Group, the event will be completely FREE to attend and will feature a wide range of independent traders, street food vendors, drinks, artisan produce, handmade crafts and family entertainment.
One of the biggest additions for 2026 will be Silcocks Fair, bringing traditional funfair attractions to the festival throughout the weekend.
Visitors can expect:
- Street food from a variety of independent vendors
- Artisan food, produce and craft stalls
- Licensed bar
- Live music and DJs
- Silcocks Fair attractions
- Inflatable play village
- Children’s entertainment
- Family activities
- Independent shopping
- Dog-friendly festival environment
Organisers say the aim is to create a relaxed, affordable family weekend that brings the local community together while supporting independent businesses from Warrington and across the North West.
With the cost of family days out continuing to rise, organisers have made the decision to keep entry to the festival completely free, allowing families to come along, enjoy the atmosphere and stay for as much or as little of the weekend as they choose.
A spokesperson for Artisan Market Group said: “The response to our Padgate festival has been incredible it it just keeps getting bigger”
“This year we want to create an even bigger weekend for Warrington and we are working in collaboration with Poulton & Fearnhead Council and also Palmyra Bar, a firm Warrington favourite Palmyra Square hangout.
“With fantastic independent food and craft traders, live entertainment, children’s activities throughout the day and Silcocks Fair joining us, there really will be something for everyone.
“Most importantly, the festival remains completely free to attend. We want families to be able to come down, enjoy a brilliant summer event together and support some fantastic independent businesses at the same time.”
The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Warrington and the wider North West, with Bennetts Recreation Ground offering easy access from the M6 and M62
For event updates, follow: Instagram: @thefoodandcraft_festival
