The annual event fills the town centre with performances, workshops and unique experiences, most of which are free to enjoy.
This year was no different, and the programme was packed full of fun things to see and do in Warrington.
After enjoying last year’s festival so much, I went along to see what I could see this afternoon, Friday.
I started by heading up the Sky Garden, at the top of Golden Square Car Park, where a range of stalls were available to browse.
This included a workshop that showed people how to make string out of nettle, and a selection of jams that were available to buy.
Giant green figures roamed the car park, while alpacas walked around a paddock and were stroked by visitors.
Each stall followed an eco theme, continuing the hidden beauty spot’s efforts to show the next generation how to care for the planet.
Then, I made my way to Bank Park where one of the festival’s grand finales was being set up.
With the details kept under wraps, I went to try and find out more about the secret show, StarSaucer, which takes place tomorrow at 8.45pm.
Only the stage had been built when I arrived, but I did hear that the show is set to be one you won’t want to miss and will see aliens touch down in front of the town hall.
Ready to try a truly unique experience, I made my way to Warrington Market to see what exactly The Sustainable Travel Agency was all about.
As I sat down at the travel agents’ desk, I was asked what I enjoyed about going away and if I could go anywhere in the world right now where would I go.
Excited about the idea of getting away from everyday life and enjoying the idea of finally ticking a visit to Florence off of my list, I couldn’t wait to see where they decided to take me.
When I was handed my headphones and cassette tape for the audio experience, I was intrigued by how I would be transported out of the town centre and into a glamorous hotel lobby.
After hitting play, I soon discovered that the piece is so much more than an opportunity to take a few minutes to yourself, it’s also a distinct way to explore the growing issue of climate change.
The Sustainable Travel Agency, led by Jenny Gaskell, was created after Jeff Bezos can go on holiday in space for 11 minutes, and suggests a more sustainable way to get away from life – even if only for a few minutes.
As I sipped on a mocktail, given as part of the experience, and watched the world around me, I took a moment to appreciate how fortunate we are to have the festival, and its varied programme, on our doorstep.
Sufficiently rested, I made my way to my final stop and explored the exhibitions at Warrington Museum.
Any, Body, Home is a group exhibition curated by Chapelford artist, Marie Jones, and brings together female artists exploring themes of power and identity.
Knitting, letters and stunning paintings were among the piece featured in the exhibition.
Marie is no stranger to the festival and also has the remarkable Waves (Grandma’s House) on display at Parr Hall.
A knitted life-sized replica of her grandmother’s house that has been suspended from the ceiling throughout the festival.
I then made my way upstairs to see Foreign Bodies, by Skye Baker, who has used a range of mediums in a powerful exploration of identity.
The festival will finish tomorrow evening, so make sure to head into the town centre and take a look at what’s on offer before it concludes for another year.
