Glorious day of food, music and fun brings thousands to streets of Eccleshall
It was a day for families, friends and lovers of good food and drink to enjoy good tunes and have a party in the centre of Eccleshall as a popular festival and street market returned.
Thousands of people turned out to enjoy the Eccleshall Festival & Street Market on Saturday, with the High Street packed with visitors from the start, live music, more than 60 stalls, a funfair, food, and entertainment that ran all day.
Hosted by Stu Haycock from Vibe 1 Radio, the event featured a line-up of performers who brought a fun energy to the stage and streets.
Local favourites Jo Fulham & Mick Baker opened the music programme, followed by sets from Dance Fusion, The Sound A.K.A and Serenity Singers Choir, while The Disco Divas made their first appearance in Eccleshall and were a big hit, with powerful vocals and crowd-pleasing disco favourites.
Dance Nuvo made a lively appearance, and headline act The Lack of Commitments closed the show with a finale that had the crowd up and dancing.
The festival was officially opened by Town Crier Adrian Basford, who could be seen walking the High Street throughout the day, chatting with visitors, calling into the businesses on the High Street and even joining in the dancing.
In addition to the stage, the High Street and surrounding areas were filled with traders offering everything from crafts and clothing to street food, gifts, and handmade produce. Local pubs also joined in with entertainment and special offers throughout the day.
Organiser Lorraine Conkey said: "We were absolutely delighted to see the town so full of life.
"Thousands came out to enjoy the sunshine, support local traders and listen to brilliant live performances.
"It’s never easy pulling together an event like this, but the support from our performers, volunteers, traders and sponsors made all the difference.
"We want to thank everyone who contributed to such a great day, it’s a real team effort.
"I would like to give a congratulations to Sarah and Rev. Philip for their fantastic inaugural week long festivities for the Eccleshall Arts Festival.
"Also acknowledged are Martin from The Ecclian for working last minute with NAT Enterprises LTD from Seighford to supply and help set up the trailer stage, and Lucie Talbot from Dance Nuvo for her support as well as Zoe Wallis from the Little George for their help.
"Same again next year; save the date: Saturday, June 27 2026."
A spokesman for Eccleshall Festival & Street Market said: "The festival was made possible with the generous support of sponsors like Perrys of Eccleshall, The Garage (Eccleshall), The Little George/Bents, Eccleshall Parish Council, Plumbits Stafford Ltd, Emery & Sons, Pumpkin Pooches, Eccleshall Dental Clinic, and James Du Pavey, Independent Estate Agents.
"Additional thanks go to Eccleshall Football Club, Eccleshall Tennis Club, and The Surgery for kindly providing car parking facilities for visitors and stallholders, and to NTJ Signs for the excellent festival banners and the Holy Trinity Church organising the Eccleshall Arts Festival throughout the week."
