Whitfield Well Dressing returns with free family fun day

Whitfield’s much-loved Well Dressing event will return next month, with local volunteers hosting another free community celebration packed with entertainment for all ages.  

The Whitfield Wells and Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday 19th September, marking the third year the event has been organised since local residents revived the traditional event in 2024.  

The celebrations will begin at 12.30pm, with a short parade setting off from the bottom of Whitfield Avenue. Accompanied by a brass band, the procession will make its way to the wells where there will be a blessing by the vicar at St James’ Church.  

The festivities will then move to Whitfield Recreation Ground, where a free family fun day will run until around 4pm.  

Organised by Friends of Whitfield Rec & Green Spaces the event aims to bring the community together while celebrating Whitfield’s heritage.  

Visitors can expect an afternoon of entertainment and activities, including go-karts, garden games, face painting, African drumming and circus skills, alongside free refreshments.  

Organisers say the event costs around £3,000 to stage and they are determined to keep it free for local families and visitors.  

Thanks to grants and generous donations, including £500 from Glossop and District Round Table, around half of the money has already been raised. However, the group is still looking to cover the costs.  

If you would like to help with a donation no matter how small, you can do so by bank transfer to 'Friends of Whitfield Rec & Green Spaces', using the reference 'Well Dressing' - account number 36300446 and sort code 010338. Cash donations can also be arranged by contacting the organisers via their Facebook page.  

The group is also appealing to residents who may have copies of programmes from previous Whitfield Well Dressings (see photos below), as they would like to display them. Anyone who can help is asked to email: friendsofwhitfieldrec@gmail.com  

A fun quiz night is also being held to help boost the event's funds. It will take place at Partington Theatre Club Room on Friday 14th August at 7.30pm.  

Teams of up to six can enter, with tickets costing £5 per person, including a free drink. There will also be snacks, drinks and a raffle, with all profits going towards the event.