Thousands of people flocked to Macclesfield for the 1261 Festival and Parade.

Billed as a celebration of Macclesfield's creativity and community, the town centre was filled with live music, workshops, exhibitions, activities, street theatre, walking tours and more.

More businesses than ever responded to the town council's call to action, inviting them to get involved by offering funding for something they could put on especially for the festival.

Rachael Higham, the council's events officer, said: "We wanted this year's festival to be bigger and better and we achieved it!

"With the help of all the businesses around town who applied for funding to host their own little bit of 1261, on top of all the elements we booked, we were able to make it so much better, with more to do for families then ever before.

"We had so much great feedback from members of the public, shops and businesses and people just passing through!"

Pandemonium in the Park (Credit: Jay Zjawinski/@_photographybyjay_)

The programme for this year's 1261 Festival was 46 pages long.

Highlights included a variety of street parties throughout town, such as Summer Days, Chestergate Live and the Choose Mac Car Park Party.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

There was also belt making with Modern Woolfare, bushcraft skills at Wellington Street garden, and wellbeing sessions at the Silk Museum.

Meanwhile, Macclesfield Community Artspace once again had the responsibility of organising the 1261 Parade, with this year's theme being 'films'.

Schools, community groups, theatre clubs and even local councillors took part, accompanied by drumming from Batala.

The parade featured a variety of much-loved characters from films such as E.T., Ratatouille, WALL-E, the Wizard of Oz and the Greatest Showman.

Events officer Rachael added: "Thank you to everyone in Macclesfield who came out and supported the day!"

Belt making with Modern Woolfare at Picturedrome (Credit: Jay Zjawinski/@_photographybyjay_)