It’s on Sunday…Chadkirk Festival 2014
The last Sunday in July, is traditionally the day for the Chadkirk Festival and this year is no exception.
All the preparations are in full swing this week. The Ford field is being prepared to serve as a car parking area. Creative volunteers are spending time in the Chapel at Chadkirk and transforming the design for this year’s well dressing into an eye catching display that will be unveiled at the start of Sunday’s festivities. There are banners and posters reminding people of the event. From midday on Sunday there will be five hours of activities to enjoy.
The Festival begins with the Mayor of Stockport blessing St. Chad’s Well.
From 12 midday, you will be able browse over 40 stalls, indulge in some food treats and enjoy the sights and sounds of music and dancing, wildlife and craftwork.
By the entrance to the Chadkirk Festival there will be a chance to see the donkeys from the sanctuary,and around the lawned area there will be falconry displays and the balloon show from award winning artists Rachel and Jason heart. Local craftsmen such as Austin Neeves and Arnold Parrott have stalls, along with the local taekwando group, Mellor Trust and The Heritage Trust.
On the lawned area there will be performances by local dance groups and demonstrations of taekwondo by students from a local group.
The Stockport Silver Band will play traditional music in the courtyard area outside Chadkirk Chapel.
In Chadkirk Chapel are the craft stalls of Country Fayre, Elaine Redford, Christine Smith, Maggie Harwood, Samantha Taylor and Irene Clare. The Chapel is also the place to go to see and hear the Tin’stle Bells Hand Bell Ringers. They perform at regular intervals throughout the afternoon. (A special thanks to this group – in 2013 Tin’stle Bells generously donated their fee towards the Window Fund.)
Outside in the Walled garden there will be face painting, willow weaving and barn owls to interest and entertain, as well as food stalls.
In the corner of the walled garden under the awnings, Friends of Chadkirk will be serving scones and tea and places to relax and refresh under the apple trees. Other members of the Friends of Chadkirk group will be offering plants for sale. This is one of the way that The Friends of Chadkirk group is able to raise money that can then be used to maintain and improve the environment of Chadkirk, the Chapel, Walled Gardens and the Country Park.
This year look out for a new stall: Romiley Remembers.
Entrance to the Chadkirk Festival is £2 for adults, Children 5-15 years £1. Under 5s : entrance is free.