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Page 14 October 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 THOUSANDS of people came together in the Horwich sun- shine for a joyous celebration of community spirit, culture, music and family fun. Organisers of this year’s Festival of Horwich hailed it the best yet, with a record attendance at Horwich RMI cricket club on August Bank Holi- day Sunday. Organised by Horwich and Black- rod Community Events CIC, this year’s festival offered a full pro- gramme of completely free activities for families. It included live music, inflatables for all ages – including a 220ft Mega Obstacle course – fairground carou- sels and a soft play area. Other attractions included Torre’s Exotic Petting Zoo, children’s enter- tainment and community showcases; along with artisan stalls. The festival also featured a first – the House of Strength Strongman qualifying competition – with lots of muscle on show from both male and female competitors from around the country. Kathryn Grant, festival co-ordi- nator, said: “The Festival of Horwich 2025 has been our biggest and best yet. We couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better turnout. “The fact that all activities were free meant everyone could join in, and the sunshine just made the whole atmosphere even more special. “The support from residents, vol- unteers, and local businesses has been overwhelming. At the heart of this event is community, and it’s been inspiring to see Horwich come alive with so much energy and pride.” Looking ahead, the organisers are already planning for 2026, with ambitions to expand the programme even further and build on the momen- tum of this year’s success. Their next big event will be a Christmas Market in Horwich Town Centre on Saturday, December 6, with live music and the ever -popular Christmas Treasure Hunt organised by Horwich and Blackrod First Inde- pendents (HBFI). That’s the spirit! Town’s festival is a community cracker � More pictures pages 16 and 17 (Photo credit: Ian Aldcroft and Henry Lisowski) FESTIVAL OF HORWICH PICTURE SPECIAL