Stockport’s favourite accessible, family-friendly Join Together Festival returned last Saturday to Cheadle. We would like to thank the hundreds of local people and families that joined us on Schools Hill in Cheadle to have a fantastic fun day while raising money for Together Trust.
The 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 first Together Trust fete in Cheadle took place on 23 July 1921. You can read about the history of the Together Trust on our archive.
The 2026 festival was jam packed with different activities including, animal petting, archery, axe throwing, an adaptive gaming marquee, multiple play areas and arts and crafts.
Festival goer, Evie (12) shared,
This is great! I love axe throwing, I got a bullseye!”
On top of that there were lots of delicious food and drink stalls, a selection of funfair rides, and a market zone with local makers.
APEX 3D, Market trader shared,
“Thank you for a wonderful day. We had such a lovely time. The event was so well organised and there were so many lovely activities for families to do. My daughter is ASD too and being independent can be a struggle, but she felt happy and safe and spent the whole day walking around to the various areas, chatting to your team and just having a great time. I knew she was safe and I knew she was happy. We met so many lovely people today too, your helpful team, families and other stall holders. Thank you for allowing us to attend. You clearly worked incredibly hard to achieve this enjoyable day. Thank you very much.”
Strawberry Radio entertained the crowds on the main stage along with other performers, including the amazing Vox Pop choir and our very own ex-student James who returned this year to sing some crowd pleasers.
A particular highlight this year was Clementine the Wish Fairy and Lula the Mushroom Wish Maker from Strawberry Cirque. They walked around the site entertaining the younger crowds with dancing, bubbles and wishes. They looked amazing and added an extra bit of magic to the day. To see them in action check out their Instagram.
The event is always designed with accessibility in mind, which includes scheduling in a quiet hour and sensory activities for those who preferred a more tranquil setting. We were thrilled to see so many Together Trust students and families there.
Also in attendance was the Stockport Mayor and Mayoress, Tameside Councillor Kaleel Khan and Stockport Councillor Colin MacAlister.
Kaleel Khan Cllr remarked,
Thank you for inviting me today. It was a lovely experience and I learnt a lot.”
Styliana, Campaigns and Policy Manager reflected,
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Mayor of Stockport, Mayoress and councillors from across Greater Manchester to our festival. We were grateful for the opportunity to showcase the Together Trust’s work and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing children and young people with SEND.
I was particularly pleased to speak with Councillor Colin MacAlister about SEND reform and the importance of ensuring that children and young people can access the educational setting that best meets their needs.
We also had valuable conversations with Councillor Kaleel Khan about our Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) project and the support required to help young people remain engaged in education.”
The festival’s success was due to the commitment of 56 volunteers who completed 302 hours of volunteering and support from our corporate volunteers, including major sponsor Vernon Building Society and high-profile brands like L’Oreal, Waitrose, Morrisons and various small businesses.
Claire H, Volunteering Development Officer shared,
“A huge thank you to our volunteers, these included colleagues, family members of colleagues, directors, events volunteers, governors and former colleagues. We couldn’t do this without you, you’re all fantastic!”
A final reflection from Zoe H, festival organiser,
“This year’s Join Together Festival was my first year organising this event and it was exciting to get stuck into such an event for the Together Trust. This is a community event through and through and highlights what the Trust aims to offer, embracing our community’s individual personalities but in the form of a family fun day!
I could go on and on about how brilliant Saturday was, but I’ll leave with this personal highlight. Our service users grouped in front of our Strawberry Radio stage smiling, laughing and dancing away to the music with our Mushroom and Bubble Wish Fairies. It was like a mini dance class! I can’t wait to see what 2027 will bring… bigger and better with plans already in the making!”
The Join Together Festival is a delightful day out for families and friends from Stockport’s local community, all in support of a worthy cause. We can’t wait for next year!
To see more photos from the day visit our Facebook page
