Sale Festival returns for 2025 with brand-new events
Sale Festival is back for 2025 – and this year’s programme is bigger and better than ever, promising something for everyone across a longer-than-usual run throughout May, June and early July.
The annual local celebration will officially launch on Sunday 18 May in Stanley Square, coinciding with the ever-popular Makers Market. The launch event will feature live music from Sale Brass Band and the Bridgewater Blues Band, creating a lively atmosphere in the town centre. The launch event is free, making it a great day out for the whole family.
This year’s festival will offer a rich mix of events and performances, from poetry and portrait painting to cartoon workshops and children’s activities.
“This year’s festival brings a mix of entertainment, catering to a wide range of tastes and ages,” said Steve Hodkinson, chair of Sale Festival.
He continued, “We’ve introduced several brand-new events this year, including a Sale Bake Off for local children up to 16 years old and a portrait painting competition.
“The Poetry Trail is also returning for its second year, and we’re hoping for a bumper turnout at our family-friendly ‘Pirates on the Plaza’ event, held in partnership with Sale Library and Trafford Events.”
Pirates on the Plaza promises to be one of the standout family days, taking place from 11am-3pm on Saturday 31 May at Waterside Plaza and Sale Library. Activities include performances from young musicians from Trafford Music Service, a Treasure Trail, face painting, storytime, a snake dance, a karaoke canal boat and a craft competition. Plus: it’s all completely free!
Other Sale Festival highlights include:
🎨 Cartoon workshop (£7) with comic artist Marc Jackson on Friday 6 June, perfect for children up to 12. Two sessions will run in the HIYA Room at Stanley Square (11.30am–12.15pm and 1.15–2.00pm).
🛶 Trafford Mayor’s Canal Boat Parade on Saturday 07 June, beginning near the Bridge Inn on Dane Road and returning to the Plaza at approximately 3.15pm.
🎶 The Primary School Choirs Festival on Wednesday 11 June, featuring young singers from schools across Trafford.
🎤 Make Some Noise – Sale Sings and Chorlton Sings Joint Concert on Saturday 28 June at the Robert Bolt Theatre at Waterside. Expect a night of uplifting music, community spirit and sing-along hits.
📝 The Poetry Trail is open now for entries until 12 May, with a closing poetry evening set for 24 June. Budding poets of all ages are encouraged to get involved.
While the full programme is still being finalised, you are encouraged to keep an eye on updates over the coming weeks. With its exciting mix of creative, cultural and community events, Sale Festival 2025 is shaping up to be a standout feature of the town’s spring-summer calendar.
📅 Mark your diaries, spread the word and get ready to stay busy, locally!
