ALTRINCHAM Festival is in danger of losing its Grand Parade after organisers failed to secure funding for the first time in 40 years.

Organisers put the brakes on preparations for the parade after one of the event’s biggest sponsors withdrew vital financial support.

In the past, Trafford Housing Trust provided a lifeline for the festival in the form of an £8,000 grant. But this year the housing association decided against funding the July 7 festival.

This is because the Trust’s funding criteria has changed to support anti-poverty projects instead.

Trafford’s biggest free event came under new leadership this year after the retirement of long-standing organiser Tony Fishwick and committee members are keen to keep traditions alive.

The Grand Parade has been the festival’s showcase event for 40 years, sweeping through the streets of Trafford with a colourful train of floats, costumes and live music.

But it’s now in grave danger of being cancelled for the first time since it started in 1977.

Sarah Walmsley, director of the festival committee, said the summer spectacle is the ‘social glue’ that brings Trafford’s communities together.

She still hopes the parade can be saved but fears that time is running out to attract new sponsors.

Sarah said: “We really hope a local business can step up and save the parade because it wouldn’t be the same without it.

“Grants are becoming increasingly more difficult to secure and we’re becoming more reliant on local businesses to fund the festival.”

If funding can’t be secured for the Grand Parade, Sarah assures us that there will still be a full day’s entertainment at the Festival Showground in Timperley.

“We believe the festival has a bright future and people will definitely see some changes at the Beech Fields showground this year.

“There will be more of a focus on food this year with lots of exciting food stalls catering to every taste. We have free coaches taking people from the Interchange to the showground every 30 minutes, courtesy of Goodwins. But we will need another £4,000 to save the parade, which is the traditional and most iconic part of the festival. It wouldn’t be the same without it.”

Walmsley is appealing for local businesses to come forward and help sponsor the parade or take out an advert in the programme.

If you’re a business that can help, contact sarah@yourfestival.org.uk

Altrincham Festival will take place at Beech Fields, Timperley on Saturday, July 7.