Heald Green Festival awash with 100's of people!
| Published: 4th July 2008 23:24 |
Poynton Commodores in procession (photo by Paul Triantis)
The 10th Heald Green Community Festival this year was awash with 100's of people
Hundreds of people descended onto the festival making it a huge success like no other before!The afternoon kicked off with the Festival procession starting at the Village hall and weaving through the streets of Heald Green before finishing on the fields by the village hall.
The Urban Gypsies (photo by David Markall)
There was plenty to do, a variety of refreshments with people queuing for the mouth watering dishes on the Muslim community stand, and plenty of first class entertainment by various groups such as the Urban Gypsies who are belly dancers with a difference, karate, Step Ahead who performed 'Grease', Stockport Rhythm gymnastics club, Phoenix Morris dancers and the Poynton Commodores band.
Step Ahead perform 'Grease'
There were games, tombolas, community stalls, refreshments, plants, books, fun fair and much more.
Stockport Rythm & Gymnastics club (photo D Markall)
Jed McAndry (festival organiser) said "Our Festival in 2007 was literally a washout although we were able to put some stalls into the Village Hall and St. Catherine's Church hall so all was not lost. 
Climbing wall (photo by Paul Triantis)
We were mighty relieved to have some kind weather for the 2008 Festival on Saturday 28th June - the turnout from the community of Heald Green was fantastic, by far the largest group we have ever had to enjoy what was on offer.
Inflatable Slide & Boucny Castle (photo Paul Triantis)
And this year we tried to offer a bit more by bringing in a Climbing Wall for the teenagers, and a Go Kart circuit for the smaller and younger people, plus the funfair and numerous stalls from local groups. It seems to be a good mix.
The Phoenix Morris Dancers (photo Dave Markall)
This year we have produced a bigger programme and we have to thank all the advertisers for their continued support - we have to thank too John Lewis for sponsoring our programme and providing two excellent prizes for our Grand Draw.
Prospectvale Primary - winners of Inter schools
football tournament with Mark Hunter MP (photo D Markall)
Cheadle RC - 2nd Place with Mark Hunter
We would also like to thank all those who generously donated prizes for the draw. The full list of winners will be found in Cafe Unity on Finney lane. The programme is delivered to all houses in Heald Green which helps to get the community aware of the event well ahead of the day - a sincere thanks to the people who gave time in delivering the programmes.
Winning Picture by Alexander Argyle
The Festival does make a profit but as a community event for the Heald Green Community the proceeds are ploughed back into the community by supporting activities within the village - such as, Christmas Lights at two locations, paying for a sofa that is in the library for people to enjoy a break, helping to fund a group of people who give their time and effort to take old people out for a day. There are many other instances we could cite.
The inter schools soccer tournament, managed by Phil Mellor of Heald Green FC, was won by prospect vale with Cheadle RC in second place - well done to both schools."
Once again there was an arts competition for the children of Heald Green (Please take a look at all the winning pictures in the Events Picture Gallery) which had the theme of ‘Olympic Games at Beijing'. These pictures were judged by Judith Durrant who is a local and who is a very proficient artist in her own right and often exhibits her work at artistic events in the Greater Manchester area.
The Festival is organised jointly by Heald Green Ratepayers' Association, Heald Green Churches Together, Heald Green Business Club, Rotary Club of Wilmslow and Handforth Dean and Cheadle Muslim Association.
Next year's festival is on the 27th June - so put this in your diary!"
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