If you’ve not been to Congleton for a while, summer 2018 is the ideal time to explore this award-winning market town.

Great British Life: Congleton in SummerCongleton in Summer (Image: Archant)

The friendly town, in south east Cheshire, benefits from a wealth of sporting, culinary and musical events throughout the year as well as a range of activities that can be enjoyed at any time. The bustling centre has welcomed some new shops. The town has won best large town in North West in Bloom for four of the past five years and this year is in the Britain in Bloom finals – so you can be sure of some blooming delights as well as a warm welcome! For the latest information see www.congleton-tc.gov.uk

SPECIAL EVENT DAYS

June 10th Congleton Food and Drink Festival 10.30am - 4.30pm

Help celebrate Congleton’s 10th Food & Drink Festivals with over 100 stalls selling delicious local produce, a wonderful variety of global street foods, music and entertainment www.foodanddrinkfestival.net

Great British Life: Congleton Food and Drink FestivalCongleton Food and Drink Festival (Image: Archant)

17th JUNE Congleton Brass on the Grass, Congleton Park 1.30pm – 5.30pm

Friends of Congleton Park bring to you their 5th free annual musical concert in Congleton Park with a variety of acts performing from the bandstand www.friendsofcongletonpark.co.uk

7th JULY Congleton Carnival and Fun Day Town Centre and Park 11am- 8pm

Calling all superheroes and villains for a brilliantly bright carnival through the town with a variety of stalls and entertainment in the Park– 11am – 8pm www.congletoncarnival.co.uk

Great British Life: Congleton Carnival and Fun DayCongleton Carnival and Fun Day (Image: Archant)

25th-26th AUGUST - Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival

Filling the August Bank Holiday weekend with music! Many different music acts take to the stage in various locations throughout the town, starting with the colourful umbrella parade on Saturday 25th www.congletonjazzandblues.co.uk

8th-23rd – SEPTEMBER Congleton Heritage & Antiques Festival

A new festival for Congleton dedicated to the local heritage and antiques the town has to offer- over 40 activities within these two weeks.

Great British Life: Congleton ParkCongleton Park (Image: Archant)

Monthly Makers Markets – Last Saturday of the Month

Extra craft and culinary delights on the last Saturday of the month – a vast array of stalls to complement the town’s independent and national shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

EVERY DAY ATTRACTIONS

Congleton Park

A stunning Victorian park complete with river walk, children’s play area, ancient woodland walks, bowling green, bandstand with many free Sunday afternoon concerts, amazing flower beds and pavilion café – all just 5 minutes walk from the town centre. www.friendsofcongletonpark.co.uk www.congleton-tc.gov.uk

Great British Life: Astbury MereAstbury Mere (Image: Archant)

Town Centre

Congleton is a bustling market town with a great mix of more than 200 shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and town centre businesses catering for a wide range of tastes and budgets. There’s a market every Tuesday and Saturday, a car boot on Sunday and Makers Market on the last Saturday of the month. For a full list of shops see www.congleton-tc.gov.uk

Paddling Pool

An old fashioned delight that has kept children happy since the 1930s. Renovated and managed by the Town Council the pool is free of charge and open daily (unless raining) from 26th May until 9th September from 10am – 6pm

Astbury Mere County Park

A beautiful Country Park and Eco Centre run by a charitable trust. The area was a former sand quarry. An all-weather path around the mere makes walking easy for all abilities while the sail school provides visitors with a greater challenge! www.astburymerecountrypark.uk

Great British Life: Congleton MuseumCongleton Museum (Image: Archant)

Electric Picture House

Is home to an art gallery, artist studios and community arts space. The venue is used for art exhibitions, workshops, theatre, music and community projects. Visitors are very welcome. See www.electricpicturehouse.com

Congleton Bath House and Physic Garden

The bath-house and garden are so well hidden that many townspeople have no idea they are there! A delightful find close to the centre of town – Bath House only opens occasionally but the gardens are accessible at all times www.congletonbpt.wordpress.com

Congleton Museum

Brings life to characters, lives and histories of Congleton through the ages. Market Square at the back of the Town Hall. Entrance is by donation. www.congletonmuseum.co.uk

Great British Life: Victoria Mill Antiques and Collectable CentreVictoria Mill Antiques and Collectable Centre (Image: Archant)

Daneside Theatre

The theatre offers a wide range of top quality productions throughout the year. It also hosts a monthly film night. See www.danesidetheatre.co.uk

Old Saw Mill

Hidden away in Back River Street this is a community hub with a large heart. Run mainly by volunteers it offers a lounge, café, secret garden and a large programme of events. Open Monday – Saturday 10 – 4pm see facebook @OldSawMill

Victoria Mill Antiques and Collectable Centre

Spread over three floors it is easy to lose track of time in this fascinating former mill building which is packed full of interesting antiques, artefacts and resident artists – as well as a café. The mill is open daily from 10am – 4pm. Free entry and free parking. www.victoriamillantiques.co.uk