Cheshire Independent Issue 215

JUNE 2026 4 AN expansive 2,000-acre park in Cheshire which is home to more than 200 wild Red and Fallow deer will be hosting a popular food and music festival later this year – fea- turing a host of celebrity chefs and 90s pop icons. Tatton Park is a popular tourist attrac- tion and has been owned by the National Trust since 1958. The park includes the Grade II-listed Tatton Old Hall, as well as the 17th-century Tatton Hall which hosts a large collection of paintings. The hall’s library also houses two first edi- tions of two Jane Austen novels. Throughout the year, the grounds host a number of events, including 10k runs, hawk walks, and the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, which was first held in 1999 and regularly draws in crowds of around 100,000 for its extravagant displays. Whilst the Flower Show will not be taking place this year – with it set to return in July 2027 – the park will wel- come back the Foodies Festival – which is now in its 21st year. Running from July 10 to 12, the three-day event will feature a line-up of celebrity chefs, top music acts, and family-friendly activities. There will be live Chef’s Table demon- strations, food and wine presentations, and a kids cookery school where young ones can learn how to master their craft in the kitchen. The festival will also include a special hot wings food chal- lenge where competitors will be dared to take on the heat in front of an encour- aging audience. Leading the line-up on the food side of the festival will be MasterChef 2025 and 2021 champions Harry Maguire and Tom Rhodes, as well as Great British MACCLESFIELD Col- lege celebrated diversity at its second annual Cul- ture Day. The college campus on Park Lane came alive with music, dancing and food on as stu- dents and staff joined together for a celebration of culture. Organised by members of the college’s Equality, Diver- sity, Inclusion and Equity Committee the event cele- brated the many cultures represented across the col- lege community and created an exciting atmosphere filled with laughter, participation and togetherness. Marie Sheehan-Slade, director of HR and culture at Macclesfield College, said: “Culture Day has been abso- lutely amazing.” “It’s been great fun to see everyone laughing, smiling and getting involved. “The sense of community throughout the event has been fantastic and it has been wonderful to see so many people enjoying them- selves, supporting one another and celebrating different cul- tures together.” Throughout the day, stu- dents and staff enjoyed a wide range of activities, performances and cul- tural experiences. There was plenty of friendly competitiveness in the games and challenges, while perfor- mances from talented Mac- clesfield College students and staff, alongside special guests Out of Africa Rhythm Club and Jamsalana Steel Band, kept the celebrations going and encouraged everyone to get involved. Visitors also had the opportunity to sam- ple foods and desserts from around the world, including Jamaican food, dumplings, paella and sweet treats, with ice creams proving espe- cially popular throughout the afternoon. The event programme also featured cultural games and interactive activities designed to bring people together and encourage students to learn more about different cultures. With a fantastic turnout and an incredible collection of photos capturing the energy of the day, the event was another huge success for Macclesfield College and highlighted their ongoing commitment to cre- ating an inclusive and wel- coming environment for all students and staff. Celebrity chefs and pop icons head to Tatton Boyzlife, made up of Boyzone’s Keith Du!y andWestlife’s Brian McFadden Menu winner Daniel McGeorge. Great British Bake Off 2025 star Hassan Islam, MasterChef finalist Sophie Sur- gue and Bake Off: The Professionals contestant Hayley Tully. Chef Patron Michael Clay, of famed Ancoats restaurant Elnecot, and foodie influencer The Baking Explorer Kat Buckley will also be appearing, with the likes of Grange Farm Lowton’s Head Chef Sean Noonan, CrewHall Hotel and Spa chef Jack Hawkins, and Restaurant 209 Chester’s chef Felix Shaw also set to feature at the event. Music performances will come from Boyzlife, made up of Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden, as well as Gareth Gates and his Boyband in the Park live show. 90s Irish girl group B*Witched, known for hits like C’est La Vie and Blame it On The Weatherman, will also be playing. A MAN from Alderley Edge has been placed on the Sex Offender Register after being found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. Lewis Turner, 32, of Knutsford Road had been using a mes- saging platform to engage with another user who told him she was a 12-year-old, but in fact was a police decoy. Themessages, sent between June and October 2023, were inappropriate. Turner was arrested in March 2024 and his devices were seized. He stood trial at Chester Crown Court in March 2026 and was also found guilty of possessing extreme pornographic images. He appeared at Chester Magistrates Court where he received a community order which included 35 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12months. He was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years and must sign the sex offenders register for five years. Offender on sex register College celebrates diversity at Culture Day Maccles"eld College’s second Culture Day has been hailed a success. (Image: Maccles!eld College)