WE PAID A VISIT TO MONTON FESTIVAL 2023

Monton is well known across Salford and further afield for its vibrant nightlife and mix of eclectic bars and restaurants, over the years it has rightfully earned its place as a destination to be. Few places across the city have managed to retain a busy high street but Monton has somehow not only managed to buck the trend of shuttered shops and decline seen in other areas but is also thriving.

Much of its success can be attributed to the local community village association (MCVA), a band of community heroes who deserve recognition for all the hard work they continually put in to their local community.

Yesterday (Sat 01 July), Monton saw it's annual summer festival return for 2023 and I have to say, I have attended quite a few events this year but for myself it was the highlight of my calendar so far, it certainly did not disappoint. The festival brought people from across the city together to join in with the fun and that for me made it extra special.

A particular highlight for myself was seeing the pampered poochies at the first Monton dog show, this year it was won by this little goggle wearing scamp riding in a motorcycle sidecar. However, the competition was woof... I mean tough.

Another highlight was local band 'BL€€Ch!' who are a 5 piece local band of Ellesmere Park High School year 10 students, with influences ranging from The Foo Fighters, Fleetwood Mac, and Oasis.

The band of youngsters have already played gigs at Manchester Academy, Buile Hill Park Hall, as well as Leeds. Their set list included songs from Fleetwood Mac, Oasis, Example, and the Foo Fighters, as well as their own original tracks which were all fantastic and well received.

They are definitely one to watch out for in the future.

All in all it was a fantastic day and even the rain even stayed away for the most part. There was so much going on it would be impossible to list everything but I have listed a few of my own personal highlights below and look forward to seeing how they can possibly top this years.

Well done to all those who organised the festival and to all those who attended. 

And now a few highlights

It seems that everyone in Salford is trying their hand at poetry these days and so it would be amiss for Monton not to have its very own.

I have to admit I am not a huge fan of poetry but I was pleasantly surprised to find he was actually really good.

There were stalls both inside and outside of the church hall, selling all manner of items, many of which were individually crafted by some seriously talented people.

We noticed the ladies were particularly fond of local celebrity and well known face around Monton, Phil the lighthouse keeper. Tony was jealous that he was not getting all the hugs. 

Eccles Burrough Band provided the musical backdrop and as always they sounded superb with not a single wrong note. 

Sadly, this majestic beasty did not win the dog show but sure as hell won my admiration. So well trained and absolutely magnificent. The owner let me feed him a scooby snack which made my day.

It was also great to see so many dads out with their kids.

You can check out many more photos of the day on our Facebook Page, there are simply too many to list on here.