Stone Festival is almost upon us once again. This year’s, which gets under way on Saturday 6th June and runs through until Sunday 14th, looks set to be as popular as ever, with the return of old favourites and some exciting new attractions. ANDY MACDONALD takes a look at what’s on offer…
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s usual, there’s something for everyone, from art enthusiasts (with a watercolour exhibition at Oulton Village Hall on the 6th) to dog lovers and real ale fans, culminating in Carnival Saturday with the procession of floats and entertainment in Westbridge Park. The park plays host to several events over the course of what looks set to be a very busy week!
A packed Sunday 7th sees the car boot sale at the park, which kicks off at 9am. Simply turn up on the morning. The entry fee for booters is £5 per car, and refreshments are available.
Shortly afterwards, the Westbridge 5 Race starts at 9.30am. It’s a five-mile multi-terrain race (hence the name!) The entry fee includes a donation to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, while many of the participating runners will also be raising sponsorship for one or more further worthy charities. Entry forms and further details available at www.nsrra.org.uk
A major highlight of the festival each year is undoubtedly the wet, wild and wacky raft race! This year’s starts at 10am on Sunday 7th, the route as always is along the River Trent, from Darlaston to Walton Bridge. Registration is from 9am at the Darlaston Inn. The entry fee is £5 per person which includes refreshments. Rafts must be human-powered only!
Likewise, the dog show always attracts a huge crowd. This year’s takes place from 10.30am, with entries being taken at 10am. Entry forms are available by clicking on this link – https://www.stonefestival.co.uk/dog-show.html A new fun feature for this year is the pet photo competition. Further doggy-themed events include the Steeple Chase and Dog Derby at the park on Monday 8th, and a sponsored dog walk on Tuesday 9th, with all donations going to the Border Collie Trust.
If you prefer a gentler pace, there are bowling, golf and cricket events, and a choir concert to enjoy.
You may have attended one of the open mic nights in Stone, but have you ever attended an open bike night?! Stone & District Motorcycle Club are offering bikers the chance to show off their machines at the park from 7pm on Tuesday 9th, with the opportunity of a pint at the Lamb from 8pm.
Did you know this year marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo? No, me neither! Or that Stone has a loose connection with the Duke of Wellington, as one of his, erm, ‘lady friends’ was Mary Anne Jervis from Meaford? Find out more by attending a free talk given by the Stone Civic & Historical Society at the Frank Jordan Centre on 10th June.
Also on the 10th, there’s a tour of Lymestone Brewery, which includes opportunities to sample their ale and a bowl of lobby. Tickets are £13, available from Home and Colour. Get in there quick, though, as it’s almost a sell-out.
Speaking of the brewery, Stone Lions are hosting their popular Treasure Hunt on Thursday 11th June, starting off from The Borehole. Registration is just £2.50 per person. You need to turn up between 6pm and 7pm to register.
For music fans, there are two very different but equally fantastic events taking place at the park on Friday 12th June. Proms in the Park from 2.30pm to 5.50pm, featuring gentle folk, opera and classical tunes, closely followed by the raucous Party in the Park from 6.30pm. Get your boogie shoes on for that one.
The town centre is always justifiably packed for the finale to festival week, Carnival Saturday – let’s hope the weather behaves itself! The carnival parade with its array of colourful floats sets off from ABB at 1.30pm, and should arrive at Westbridge Park for around 2pm. This year’s entertainment taking place in the main arena will be provided courtesy of acts from Covent Garden, comprising jugglers and creepy crawlies, and there’ll be plenty of fun and games to ensure Stone experiences the atmosphere of the popular London landmark!
[button color=”red” size=”medium” link=”https://www.stonefestival.co.uk/” target=”blank” ]Click here for the Stone Festival website for lots more information[/button]
