The first-ever ‘The StretFest’, a free, neighbourhood-wide festival, is set to transform Stretford on Saturday, 6th July 2024. Celebrating Stretford’s vibrant culture and community, The StretFest will feature a diverse array of music, art, dance, and interactive workshops, unfolding across Stretford’s favourite venues and public spaces.
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.
The StretFest aims to increase visitor footfall and spotlight the neighbourhood as the development work on Stretford Town Centre begins to take shape. Current activities being planned include a kids craft trail; spoken word, storytime, and local history workshops and a host of other activities at Stretford library; a pop-up ‘wellness garden’ with activities and information around health and wellbeing; a brass band performance with cream teas and family fun in Victoria Park; local bands and DJs at Head Bar and everything from Silent Discos to choirs, circus workshops and a BBQ in the car park at Stretford Public Hall.
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.
Bruntwood will also be closing the temporary car park to provide additional space to bring that festival feeling to the Mall with a range of cycling and active travel activities.
Many other venues around Stretford will be getting involved with a full programme to be released in early June.
Andy Simpkins, Chair of Stretford Town Centre Forum, said:
“StretFest is our invitation to everyone to come and experience the community spirit and cultural richness of Stretford,” said Andy Simpkins, chair for the Stretford Town Centre Forum. “We are excited to showcase our neighbourhood’s talents and businesses through an engaging day of fun and festivity.”
"Stretfest promises to be a great celebration of all things Stretford and we're delighted that it is coming to Stretford town centre. We encourage the local community to put the date in their diaries and come and enjoy the many different activities taking place."
Bethany Adam, Head of Purpose and Impact at Bruntwood, added:
"Stretfest promises to be a great celebration of all things Stretford and we're delighted that it is coming to Stretford town centre. We encourage the local community to put the date in their diaries and come and enjoy the many different activities taking place."
Get Involved
For more information about StretFest, updates on the festival lineup, or details on how to get involved, please visit www.thestretfest.co.uk.
Save the Date: Make sure you’re part of Stretford’s biggest community event of the year. See you at StretFest on Saturday, 6th July 2024.
Stretford town centre and Uplift café are hosting a FREE community Christmas dinner on Thursday 12th December 6pm-late in the centre of the mall, for individuals and families in need of some support this festive season. Head to Uplift café to collect your FREE ticket and join us for a warm meal and festive community spirit.
Join us for a FREE Stretford Christmas Fun Day on Saturday, 21st December, from 12–6pm in the mall. Enjoy a day packed with festive fun, including live choirs, cheeky elves, joyful singalongs, and a special visit from Father Christmas himself!
Mark your diary for the final Stretford Social of the year and get ready for an extra-festive celebration!