2500 people flock to Together Trust campus for Cheadle’s accessible family festival
Stockport's first accessible festival was a resounding success this Saturday in Cheadle, bringing together hundreds of local people and families for a day of joy and entertainment.
Orchestrated by the Together Trust, Join Together Festival is a yearly tradition aimed at fostering community spirit and raising funds for the not-for-profit organisation’s life-changing services across the North West.
The one-day extravaganza featured an array of family-friendly activities and thrilling experiences all day, including rides, mobile climbing walls, axe throwing, My Sen Den sensory room, TrainMaster, a soap bubble show, tombolas, and a chance to explore a fire truck from the inside. Children also got up close with therapy animals such as ponies and sheep, tried their hand at archery, and got their faces painted with bright, cheerful designs.
The event was designed keeping accessibility in mind, with a quiet hour and sensory activities for those who preferred a more tranquil setting.
Jo, one of the attendees, shared her experience of attending the event with her 8-year-old twin daughters:
“They had a fabulous time and tried out a lot of the activities! Their favourites were the climbing wall, the animal petting (they fell in love with the 'skinny’ pigs!) and the aerial hoops/silks! The teddy tombola also went down very well - they added four teddies to their already huge collection!”
Performers entertained the audience, hosted by Strawberry Radio’s DJ, Vernon Building Society (Poynton) Brass Band and African drumming by Inscape House School Drumming Band, bands like 2D Jukebox and Soul Slider, and singing performances by Mistrust, as well as talented students Milly and James.
The festival also offered a delectable array of food and drink stalls - Neapolitan pizza, freshly brewed coffee, and fluffy cotton candy, thanks to Nellie’s Kitchen, Cof Cof Coffee and Rocco’s Pizza.
Hannah, who is a staff member at the Together Trust charity and a volunteer at the Join Together Festival, shares:
Attendees could browse a vibrant mix of stalls showcasing products from local businesses - from handcrafted pottery, crochet items and jewellery to activewear and resin gifts.
Lisa, a dedicated member of the team at Haines House, one of the Together Trust charity's residential homes, was thrilled to be a part of this year's festival:
“It was really lovely to see how busy the festival was throughout the day and a special mention to the fundraising team for all their hard work putting the day together.”
The festival's success was due to the commitment of 51 volunteers and support from 48 corporate volunteers, including major sponsor Vernon Building Society and high-profile brands like L’Oreal, Waitrose, Morrisons and various small businesses.
The Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Suzanne Wyatt, was an esteemed guest at the event.
The Join Together Festival served as a delightful day out for families and friends from Stockport's local community, all in support of a worthy cause.