Stalybridge ready for Festival weekend

Stalybridge is gearing up for its biggest weekend of the year this Saturday and Sunday.

Thousands are expected to support Stalybridge Festival Weekend once again, which includes the town’s carnival parade on Sunday.

Events start on Saturday  from 11am with a small children’s funfair in Armentieres Square, while Huddersfield Canal Society will be busy providing free canal rides all weekend.

Plus the Festival Committee will be hosting the Grand Final of the Tameside ‘Search For A Star’ Talent Contest in Armentieres Square on the Saturday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, with great cash prizes up for grabs for the top three acts.

On Sunday the Stalybridge Carnival Parade will get underway at 1pm from Bayley Street, parading through the town along High Street, Trinity Street, Waterloo Road, Water Street and Caroline Street before making its way back along High Street for the finish at Acres Lane.

No less than five bands will be participating in this year’s carnival with the City of Liverpool Pipes and Drums band returning to lead the way.

There have also been more pledges from local community groups, schools and businesses (including the Greater Manchester Rock Choir) who will be taking part in this year’s event.

Keep an eye out for the Tameside Radio team throughout the weekend who will be reporting live from the Festival events - and for your Tameside Reporter team who will be joining the parade.

Following the parade itself   the traditional Family Fun Day (with large fun fair, craft and community stalls, hot food stalls and live entertainment) will continue in Cheetham Park.

There will also be the Crafters Festival Artisan Market in Armentieres Square on Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

For more information visit www.stalybridge-festival.org.uk.

Organising secretary Ian Cochrane said the carnival weekend is all .set to be one of the best yet - come rain or shine.

“The carnival is part of our local heritage and it is fantastic that the people of Stalybridge and beyond come out to support the carnival each year,” he stated.