Stockport Independent Issue 204

11 JUNE 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Tal-Y-Fan owners have access to facilities at The Warren Resort & Spa. 2026 Site Fees Included. TAL-Y-FAN HOLIDAY PARK Abersoch LL53 7UD 2026 Omar West�eld Price £235,000 For more information or to book into an open day please contact Sarah Jopling by: Email: sarah.jopling@haulfryn.co.uk Phone: 07887 341382 HOLIDAY HOME FOR SALE Independent FOOD & DRINK EYES are already turning to 2027 following another successful Congleton Food & Drink Festival. Thousands of visitors flocked to Congleton as the annual event organised by Congleton Town Council made its return. The record crowds enjoyed browsing 90 stalls, a signif- icant increase from the 72 stalls at the first festival man- aged by the council in 2025. Stallholders reported strong sales throughout the day, with several completely selling out by mid-afternoon. A spokesperson for Greek food truck Taka Taka Mam said: “It’s been a great event! “We completely ran out of gyros and had to shut up shop early. I’ll definitely be return- ing with my stall next year. “I prefer the smaller town events to the big city ones – there’s a really nice commu- nity vibe here.” Congleton’s town centre businesses embraced the occasion, with several shops opening specially on Sunday and many trading from their shop fronts. Meanwhile, visitors enjoyed a wide range of street enter- tainment, including singing chefs, a larger-than-life fish- monger character and colour- ful stilt walkers who delighted the crowds. Inside Congleton Town Hall, families enjoyed a free Kids Zone managed by Mark’s Events, activities included face painting by Wizard of Arts, Artspace, opportunities to meet Moana and Tinker- bell courtesy of Titans & Tiaras, food-themed activi- ties from All Saints Church and soft play provided by Ast- bury Darlings. Mayor of Congleton, Coun- cillor Suzy Firkin, said: “It was wonderful tomeet somany vis- itors, traders and volunteers Many traders sold out (Image: Congleton Town Council) ‘A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION’ Congleton Food & Drink draws record crowds and hear how much people were enjoying themselves. “The festival showcases everything that is special about Congleton – our strong community spirit, thriving independent businesses and our ability to bring peo- ple together. “It was particularly pleas- ing to see so many families enjoying the free Kids Zone in the town hall and making a day of it. I also had the pleas- ure of visiting Barley Hops & Grape, which reopened just in time for the festival. “It was fantastic to see the business welcoming custom- ers once again and contribut- ing to the vibrant atmosphere across the town. The whole day was a wonderful celebra- tion of everything our commu- nity has to offer.” Another major success story from the day was the free Beartown Bus ser- vice, funded by Congleton Town Council. The service, which does not normally operate on Sundays, proved extremely popular, helping visitors travel to and from the festival without the need for a car. Town Mayor Suzy Firkin with the !shmonger street performers (Image: Congleton Town Council) Thousands of people attended the event (Image: Congleton Town Council)