Bridge Fest marks five years as Stalybridge event continues to grow

What started with a handful of venues has grown into a town-wide celebration as Bridge Fest prepares to mark its fifth year in Stalybridge

The annual event has expanded year on year, with more pubs, bars and community venues joining the line-up and new businesses in the town signing up to take part.

Now firmly established in the Stalybridge calendar, Bridge Fest will once again see live music and entertainment spread across the town.

Organised by Stalybridge Town Team Volunteers, the event was created to bring people into the town and, crucially, encourage them to visit and support its different venues.

This year is set to be its biggest yet, with more than a dozen locations involved and a programme stretching from late morning into the evening.

Ray Harrison, Chair for Stalybridge Town Team Volunteers said:

“It is quite incredible to think this is our fifth Bridge Fest because the event has changed and grown so much since that first year.

“More venues have joined us each year and one of the positive things has been seeing new places open in Stalybridge and immediately want to become part of it.

“The whole point of Bridge Fest has always been to get people moving around the town. We want them to go into a venue they might not normally visit, discover somewhere new and support the businesses that are here all year round.”

Bridge Fest '26 will take place on Saturday, September 5, with entertainment across Stalybridge from 11am and live music continuing throughout the afternoon and evening.

The Old Fleece, Bohemian Lounge, Florence & Amelia's, Buffet Bar, Q Bar, Guest Beers, The Rifleman Corps, The White House, Bridge Beers, Tipsy's and Wharf Tavern are among the venues taking part.

There will also be events at Holy Trinity Church and Victoria Market Hall, while the Sundial in Armentieres Square will host St Johns Mossley Band and Butch and the Sand Dance Kids from noon.

Victoria Market Hall's programme begins at 11am with a children's workshop before performances from Sound Hut Music Choir, Enjo Jazz Orchestra and Singers and young talent Jack and Lexi.

Across the participating venues, dozens of performers will take to the stage during the day, including bands, solo singers, choirs and acoustic acts.

Entry to Bridge Fest remains completely free, with organisers instead asking visitors to support the venues which make the event possible.

The festival itself is organised by volunteers and backed by local sponsors, whose support helps the Town Team continue to stage the event without an admission charge.

Ray added: “There is a huge amount of work involved, particularly as Bridge Fest has become bigger, but the support we get from the venues, performers, sponsors and volunteers is what allows it to happen.

“Ultimately, we want to see people out enjoying Stalybridge. If they visit a few venues, have something to eat or drink and perhaps discover somewhere they haven't been before, then Bridge Fest has done what it set out to do.

“Five years is a big milestone and we're hoping the town will come out and celebrate it with us.”

Bridge Fest '26 takes place on Saturday, September 5. The full What's On Guide, including individual venue line-ups and performance times, is available through Stalybridge Town Team's social media channels.