WINSFORD'S flagship festival is going ‘eco’ for the first time. 

A nod to the town’s proud salt mining heritage, Salt Fair upholds a tradition going back to 1280, when King Edward I granted the then-village of Winsford the right to hold a weekly market and an annual fair.

But things will be a little bit different this year as organisers, Winsford Town Council, have pledged to put sustainability at the heart of the much-loved family event.   

On Saturday, September 14, 1pm to 8pm, Marina Island will be transformed with a funfair, games, music, dancing, bars, and food and gift stalls, but ideally, traders should have an eye to their ‘eco’ credentials.

Single-use items which are not biodegradable will be banned from the site, and food stalls are encouraged to provide organic, local, and vegan meals and snacks.

Winsford town mayor, Cllr Wayne Fletcher, said: "It’s going to be an awesome event. 

"Visitors can expect all the usual attractions down at the marina, as well as a full day of musical acts, talks on the town’s history, and advice on what we call do to be more sustainable in our day-to-day lives.

"No matter who you are or what you do, the whole family are welcome to come an learn about the historical significance of Winsford, and what we’re doing as a town to minimise our impact on the environment for the future.

“Sustainability is front and centre this year, and with that in mind, we’re trying to reduce the fair’s impact on the environment as far as possible.

“Everything used by food and drink stallholders will be either recyclable or reusable, and we hope to see other stalls selling local and sustainable products too.

“It’s just about being a bit more friendly to the planet.”

The market side of this year’s events is being coordinated by Parabellum Events, whose director, Naomi Petru-Brown, has put out a call to local businesses. 

She said: “This year, we’re all about sustainability.

“Stallholder should be a local, sustainable eco-businesses and organisations which encourage sustainable living.

“We are looking for food stalls in particular which have organic offerings with produce which is local, who can offer vegan choices.  

“We’d also love to hear from local makers and suppliers of upcycled gifts, pre-loved clothing, locally produced natural skincare products, and home items.”