Street Fest to return to Stalybridge for 2024

STREET Fest will return to Stalybridge for 2024 – under a slightly different way of working.

For Tameside Council is to take operations in house rather than letting The Market Company run it.

The food event has proved hugely popular since its inception in 2021.

Now after some doubt as to whether it will return, it has been confirmed it will come back for eight events starting in April.

That will see one a month until October then a special festive event around Christmas.

The costs of more than £31,000 will be met by re-allocating funds from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for events which came in under budget.

And documents for the meeting of Tameside Council’s executive cabinet on Wednesday, February 14 – which should also see it give the go-ahead to buying 10 gazebos for the events – outlined the benefits it brings to the town.

They reveal an income of £8.000 could be achieved if there are 15 vendors per event, providing a source of potential income which would not be available if the operation was not brought in house.

That will give it the best chance of becoming self-sustainable.

They state: “Since its introduction in July 2021, Street Fest has helped to positively raise awareness of Stalybridge town centre appearing in a number of publications and attracting thousands of additional visitors from Tameside and across Greater Manchester.

“Demand from traders has remained solid and numbers wishing to attend has increased demonstrating that the market has an appetite for ongoing delivery within Stalybridge. The analysis of footfall data for Street Fest dates shows an average increase of 36 per cent more people in the town centre during Street Fest than compared to the same day at other times of the week.

“In 2024 it is proposed that the operation of Street Fest will be delivered in house. including trader management and event promotion.

“The council’s market’s team has confirmed its capacity to continue the operation of Street Fest now the event is successfully established.

“This will help to provide a pathway for a more financially self-sustaining model with the ability to establish an income stream via trader rents.

“Stalybridge Street Fest events is now a well-established event that has delivered on its aim of engaging residents and businesses, increasing footfall in the town centre, supporting local traders and increasing the profile of Stalybridge as a desirable location to visit.

“Demand throughout the programme in the last three years and there is a clear opportunity for the council to continue to deliver this event for the benefit of the local economy in Stalybridge.

“The Street Fest is helping to develop a vibrant and visited town that attracts a wide range of people and a town where local people can be proud to promote its strengths and are active in enjoying. supporting and enhancing the offer.

“There is now a clear opportunity for Stalybridge Street Fest to become more self-sustainable and support the ongoing regeneration of the town centre based around a strong independent retail offer, high quality public realm, new homes, heritage, food and drink, community and events.

“This 2024 programme of events for the Street Fest will enable the continuity of an established event in Stalybridge.”