Whaley Wharf Weekend will be bigger and better for 2021, organiser says

The popular Whaley Wharf Weekend will be back bigger and better than ever when it returns at the end of July, the event organiser has said.
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Nev Clarke from the Whaley Bridge Canal Group and the organiser behind the two-day summer event said he is pleased to be able to bring the wharf weekend back.

He said: “We seem to be the only group taking a chance and hosting an event just like we were last year but I’m thrilled to be able to bring back Whaley Wharf Weekend on the anniversary of the dam crisis as a way of bringing people back together and celebrating our community spirit.”

The event will see the return of craft stalls, food market and beer sellers take over Whaley Canal Basin on July 31 and August 1.

The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020
The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020

Last year when the Whaley Bridge Carnival was cancelled the wharf weekend still went ahead for its inaugural event.

Nev said: “It was so nice to see people come together after months apart and there was a buzz about the place which was nice.

"People were so grateful we had taken the risk to put the event on and I’m glad we did as we had more than 2,000 people come and visit us over the two days.”

The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020
The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020

In December the canal group put on a Christmas market at short notice because the traders were having a tough year and the Community Interest Company wanted to support local businesses and this event also proved popular with customers.

"We are hoping the same will happen this year again too, we’ve been through another lockdown and people need something to look forward to and this year is going to be bigger and better as we’ve got live music which we couldn’t have last year.”

The summer festival will the return with have-a-go pottery throwing as well as demonstrations from a blacksmith and story telling sessions.

Nev added: “The event helps to put the spotlight on the work of our amazing volunteers. The public are always telling us what a great job has been done to the area and seeing it teeming with life at the heart of the village is the real reward.”

The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020
The first Whaley Wharf Weekend in 2020

Anyone who is interested in taking a stall out at the Whaley Wharf Weekend should email [email protected].

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