Saltaire Festival a 'fantastic success' for crowds of 80,000

The festival, which is held in Roberts Park and around Saltaire village, kicked off on Saturday, September 14, and finishes today (Sunday, September 22) with a pair of big weekends and mid-week activities in between.

Crowds visit the International Market at Saltaire Festival on Sunday (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to the T&A at 3pm on Sunday, Saltaire Festival organiser Ian Andrews-Swailes said: “Yesterday was our busiest day since 2019 pre-Covid. I think we’ve turned a corner in that respect.

“It’s only just started raining as we speak, but the weather has up until now been fantastic. It’s been really warm.

A band plays on the main stage in Roberts Park on Sunday morning (Image: Newsquest)

Crowds featuring thousands of people have gathered onto the field at Roberts Park with even more exploring the International Market and activities going on throughout the village.

The T&A visited the festival around lunchtime on Sunday when visitors strolled up and down the international market hunting for the perfect gift or delicious street food on offer.

The band Not Guilty performed in Caroline Street car park on Sunday lunchtime (Image: Newsquest)

Many visitors relaxed and enjoyed their food in the Caroline Street car park where band Not Guilty sung classic rock hits such as Hammer To Fall by Queen, Gimme All Your Lovin’ by ZZ Top, Every Breath You Take by The Police and Hotel California by The Eagles.

“I think we’ve hit the 80,000 mark for the whole of the festival,” said Mr Andrews-Swailes.

“Everyone’s enjoyed themselves and the vibe has been good. It’s been a fantastic success.”

Crowds visit the stalls in Roberts Park on Sunday (Image: Newsquest)

The festival had something for everyone throughout the nine days.

“The first weekend we had heroes Bumblebee, Batman, Spiderman, and Wonder Woman entertaining the children," he said.

“We had our comedy night at Salts Beer Factory on Tuesday and that went down well with people enjoying the six acts on the night.

“I just want to say thank you to all our volunteers for helping with the smooth running of the festival.

“We’ve more volunteers than ever before and our new volunteers have been phenomenal.

"They’ve been enjoying themselves.”

And Saltaire Festival remains free for everyone to attend.

"It is a phenomenal accomplishment that we manage to keep making this free,” said Mr Andrews-Swailes. “I have always said as long as I am chair we will keep it free.

"It is free for all to attend and that is the beauty of Saltaire Festival."