If you've not yet got plans for the weekend then this one's for you as Stretford’s biggest community event of the year, The StretFest, is gearing up for its first-ever outing on Saturday 6th July.
All about celebrating Stretford’s vibrant culture and community, the free and neighbourhood-wide festival will feature a diverse array of music, art, dance, and interactive workshops, unfolding across Stretford’s favourite venues and public spaces.
The StretFest will be spread across five 'zones' with over 15 venues participating including Stretford Public Hall, Victoria Park, Stretford Mall, St Matthew’s Church, Stretford Library and across the ‘Stretford Strip’ - the cluster of independent businesses on Chester Road.
Attendees can look forward to highlights including Cafe Del Car Park - a collaboration between local DJ Collectives, The Sliced Tomatoes and Nite School, for daytime music and good vibes in Stretford Public Hall’s car park.
Complete with all the best festival Decor, BBQ food, good coffee from SWIG and cocktails and drinks from new bar, Colby’s, Cafe Del Car Park will be running from 11am through to 7pm.
Another stand-out event, Off Road Stretford, comes as part of a special edition of the Stretford Social event, Dirt Factory, who will be bringing their popular modular 'pump track' to the temporary car park at Stretford town centre outside the Mall.
Alongside the pump track, a DJ monster truck will be joining in the action, with a DJ line-up curated by Ruf Dug at Rainy Heart so be sure to expect an adrenaline-fuelled set suitable for all ages powered by local DJs.
Off Road Stretford, which runs from 12pm to 4 pm, is all completely FREE to use, with helmets and demo bikes provided.
Any theatre-lovers out there will also be chuffed to know Manchester based theatre company, COMMON, will be bringing you an interactive theatre piece titled We Sea Shells which promises a beach party with a twist taking place around Stretford's famous sun loungers where the mundane becomes the magical re-imagined between 12pm to 4pm.
There will also be a FREE kids craft trail; spoken word, storytime, and local history workshops and a host of other activities at Stretford library; a brass band performance with cream teas and family fun in Victoria Park; plus local bands, DJs and acoustics acts popping up at Head Bar, Longford Tap, SoulJuice and Reel Around the Fountain Records.
There will also be a special edition of the monthly Stretford Socials which takes place at Stretford Mall and will feature the unveiling ceremony for the name of the brand new public square that is set to open in the heart of Stretford next year as well as its usual array of local traders and Off Road Stretford.
The festival has been organised by the Stretford Town Centre Forum - a new collaboration of local businesses and community groups, that was established in 2022 by Friends of Stretford Public Hall and Friends of Victoria Park with support from Trafford Council and Bruntwood who are leading the wider Stretford masterplan.
Andy Simpkins, Chair of Stretford Town Centre Forum, said: "It’s been incredible seeing the first StretFest come together and we’re looking forward to a fantastic day celebrating everything Stretford has to offer."
Bethany Adam, Head of Purpose and Impact at Bruntwood, added: "We’re delighted to be part of the first StretFest. The programme really showcases the passion and enthusiasm for the community that lies at the heart of Stretford - we’d encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the festival and celebrate the neighbourhoods."
Find out more here.