The Stretfest
‘The StretFest’, a free, neighbourhood-wide festival for Stretford has released a jam-packed programme of events and activities for its first ever outing on Saturday 6th July, 11 until late.
Celebrating Stretford’s vibrant culture and community, The StretFest will feature diverse music, art, dance, and interactive workshops, unfolding across Stretford’s favourite venues and public spaces.
The festival 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.
Highlights include:
‘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.. Festival Decor, BBQ food, good coffee from SWIG and cocktail and drinks from new bar – Colby’s. 11am – 7pm.
Off Road Stretford – as part of a special edition of the Stretford Social event, Dirt Factory are 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 – expect an adrenaline-fueled set for all ages powered by local DJs. It’s all completely FREE to use, with helmets and demo bikes provided. 12-4pm.
We Sea Shells – We Sea Shells – Manchester based theatre company ‘COMMON’ bring you an interactive theatre piece. Promising a beach party with a twist taking place around Stretford’s famous sun loungers where the mundane becomes the magical re-imagined. Come and get involved. (12 – 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 years well as its usual array of local traders and Off Road Stretford (see above).
The digital programme is now available on the website with a special edition physical programme available on the day around the festival.
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.