Our 6 picks for free bank holiday events in Warrington

Here are six fun free things to try out while the sun shines

MUSIC

Warrington Music Festival, Golden Square, Saturday

FANCY seeing Fun Lovin’ Criminals for free?

The New York band behind the hits Scooby Snacks and Loco are headlining Warrington Music Festival on Saturday after a full day of sets from grassroots artists from the north west.

It is believed to be the biggest free ticketless event of its kind in the region. 

The only challenge is making sure you get there in good time to get a space in Golden Square’s 3,000-capacity Old Fish Market for the open air celebration.

Fun Lovin’ Criminals told Weekend that fans can expect a ‘very New York show’ as they will be warming up for their first homecoming performance in New York City just weeks after the Warrington gig.

The festival will see 16 bands taking to the stage altogether from 1pm onwards but Fun Lovin’ Criminals’ main support is the electro funk group, The Winachi Tribe. 

They recently toured the West Coast of the United States before playing one of their biggest shows at the Parr Hall.

Festival founder Steve Oates said: “As always, we’ve put together a line-up that reflects the fantastic musical talent that we have in Warrington and across the region and I am really excited by the quality and potential of the artists that will come together on the day.

“When I think back to the festival’s humble beginnings in 2007 I realise just how far it has travelled and what this great team has achieved.”

FORECAST: Sun set to shine on Warrington this bank holiday weekend

COMMUNITY

Culcheth Community Day, Monday

ENJOY clowns, classic cars and face painting at a packed afternoon of entertainment in Culcheth.

The popular annual community day returns to the village on bank holiday Monday.

The free event runs between 12pm and 4.15pm.

Entertainment includes a circus workshop, trapeze artists, karate display, pet show and classic cars.

There will also be an appearance from Kevin the Clown and plenty of fairground rides to enjoy.

The fun takes place on Culcheth village green or Shaw Street car park in case of bad weather on the day.

In addition the team from Radio Warrington will be there providing music and interviews, as they did on Christmas Market Day in November.

The event supports charities in and around Warrington and many will be there on the day with stalls.

MUSIC

Warrington Record Fair, Warrington Market, Saturday

RELIVE the era of mods and rockers when Warrington Record Fair returns.
The celebration of vinyl takes place from 10am to 5pm at Warrington Market when there will be around 20,000 records, including rarities, for collectors to peruse.
There will also be retro music memorabilia on sale as well as a display of scooters for the full effect. The fair is run by John Beddows who used to stage manage the likes of Echo and The Bunnymen and The Farm.

DAY OUT 

WALTON HALL, all weekend

What better way to spend a sunny bank holiday weekend than visiting Walton Hall?

Enjoy the children's zoo, play area and gardens.

And the popular alpaca walks return on Saturday. Although book in advance as they are proving popular. There is also a charge for this event.

FUNDRAISER

PRETTY MUDDY, Victoria Park, Sunday

The main event is almost sold out but you can cheer on friends and relatives for free at Victoria Park.

More than 2,000 people are set to take part in the event to raise money for cancer research.

And for the first time, there will be a kids event as well.

GARDENS

GRAPPENHALL HEYS WALLED GARDEN All weekend

It recently became the top rated attraction in Warrington on Tripadvisor but it remains a hidden gem.

Find the walled garden off Witherwin Avenue in Grappenhall Heys.

It is open all bank holiday weekend, including Monday from 10am until 4pm.

The cafe will also be serving its popular mix of sweet and savoury goodies.

Be warned, the garden is a real sun trap on a beautiful day