Eyes already on 2026 as success of 1261 Festival sees thousands flock to Macclesfield
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 25th Aug 2025
Macclesfield came alive with a celebration of creativity and community.
Thousands flocked to the town centre on Saturday, August 23, for the return of the 1261 Festival.
More than 20 businesses took party, hosting live music, workshops, exhibitions, activities, street theatre, walking tours and more.
Rachael Highamm, events officer for Macclesfield Town Council, said: "After the success of last year's festival we knew we needed to do it again.
"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 bigger and better."
This year the town council put out a call to action for local businesses, inviting them to get involved in the festival by offering funding for something they could put on especially for the festival.
Over 20 businesses responded and together helped create a 36-page programme of events that saw the people of Macclesfield spoilt for choice.
Macclesfield Community Artspace once again had the responsibility of organising the parade, with the theme this year of Holidays.
Cue seagulls, inflatables, swimming costumes, deckchairs and anything else you can think of that reminds you of holidays.
Schools, community groups, theatre clubs, comic fans and local councillors all took part, with music provided by Conundrum and eLov at either end of the convoy.
Following the parade, due to overwhelming public demand, Choose Macc brought back Mrs Boon's Tea Party to Park Green in collaboration with Red Willow and The Fountain.
With homemade cakes, Clint Boon doing a stint on the decks, original live music, DJs plus food and drink it became the place to go in the afternoon.
Elsewhere, festivalgoers could enjoy Macc-abre and Joy Division-themed walking tours, pottery workshops with The Clay Rooms and Poetry Pandemonium at Sparrow Park, to name just a few of the free activities on offer.
Plans are already in motion for next year's festival.
Rachael said: "We had so much great feedback and have started planning 2026 already!
"Thank you to everyone in Macclesfield who came out and supported the day."
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