Cheshire Independent Issue 216

JULY 2026 8 PICTURES: ANTHONY PROPHET THE Brit Fest has offi- cially closed the gates on its biggest and most successful event to date, with a record 35,000 music lovers joining the celebration across four unforgettable days at Ashley Hall Showground. From the opening night spectacular of Symphonic Ibiza with Angie Brown, through headline perfor- mances from Happy Mon- days, Holly Johnson and ABC, to more than 100 live performances across multiple stages, The Brit Fest 2026 delivered what many are already calling one of the North West’s standout music events of the summer. Alongside the Main Stage, the ever-popular Little Big Top and Busk Stops became festival destinations in their own right, showcasing an incredible programme of grassroots, emerging and established artists. More than 40 performances across the weekend gave rising tal- ent the opportunity to per- form alongside household names, reinforcing The Brit Fest’s commitment to sup- porting the next generation of live music. Beyond the music, the fes- tival once again celebrated everything that makes Cheshire special. Thou- sands of visitors explored local food producers, inde- pendent traders, artisan markets, family attractions and hospitality experiences, providing a significant boost to businesses across Altrin- cham, Hale, Knutsford and the wider region throughout the weekend. Commercial Director Anthony Prophet said: “To see 35,000 people enjoying themselves over four incred- ible days is something we’re immensely proud of. The BEST OF BRIT FEST Record 35,000 festival goers celebrate biggest event yet Cathduu, ShowSec, Seashell, sponsors, suppliers and the many organisations whose support helped make the event possible. The organisers also thanked the local authorities, emergency services, neigh- bouring communities, land- owners, transport providers and the many businesses throughout Altrincham, Hale, Ashley, Knutsford and Cheshire who embraced the festival and helped welcome thousands of visitors into the area. “Every person who buys a ticket, pours a drink, builds a stage, parks a car, serves a meal, volunteers their time or simply comes along to enjoy the music becomes part of The Brit Fest family. This festival belongs to all of us, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making 2026 so special,” organisers add. Attention now turns imme- diately to The Brit Fest 2027. An exclusive limited Weekend Ticket Presale is now open, giving loyal sup- porters the opportunity to secure tickets at the best available prices ahead of the full launch. The full 2027 line-up, together with all ticket types, VIP experiences and accommodation options, will be unveiled when tickets go on general sale in September. atmosphere from the moment the gates opened on Thurs- day until the final encore on Sunday night was sim- ply magical. “The Brit Fest has never just been about the artists on stage. It’s about community. It’s about creating opportu- nities for emerging artists, celebrating local businesses, bringing people together and creating memories that last a lifetime. This year’s event exceeded every expectation we had.” The organisers paid trib- ute to the remarkable team behind the scenes who make the festival possible each year. More than just a festival workforce, an army of staff, contractors, security person- nel, medics, cleaners, vol- unteers, artists, suppliers, traders, production crews and countless supporters worked tirelessly for months to bring the event to life. Special thanks were also given to the festival’s incredible partners, includ- ing ABC+ Warranty, Delta Hotels Manchester Airport, TFGM, Tatton Estates, Sea- shell, Showbase, Skiddle,