Salford’s new walking and cycling routes celebrated with free festival

Salford City Council is gearing up for an exciting community event this September, designed to celebrate the city’s latest improvements to its walking and cycling network.

On Sunday, 8th September, Walkden’s Parr Fold Park will host Make Tracks, a free, family-friendly day of live music, activities, and workshops, running from 12-4 pm.

Make Tracks

The event marks the opening of Salford’s new walking and cycling routes that connect local neighbourhoods to the RHS Garden Bridgewater.

Celebrating Salford’s new walking and cycling routes

The new routes form part of the £3.2 million RHS Cycling and Walking Links scheme, a key component of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.

This project aims to integrate the region’s public transport with active travel options like walking and cycling, helping the city on its journey towards NetZero.

Spanning 6.2km, the new pathways link Walkden, Worsley, and Boothstown to RHS Garden Bridgewater, with 4.6km of the route being traffic-free, including a scenic stretch along the Bridgewater Canal’s north towpath.

To celebrate this achievement, Parr Fold Park will transform into a lively hub of entertainment.

Music will be a major highlight, with a diverse line-up of Greater Manchester’s finest talent gracing the bandstand.

The day will be hosted by powerful soul singer Yemi Bolatiwa, who will also perform with her band, The Jam Jivers.

Joining her on stage will be Ada Grace Francis, known for her vocal and multi-instrumental prowess, and NGUVU, a genre-blending group that mixes world music, jazz-fusion, and more.

DJ Jenna G, Manchester’s legendary drum and bass songstress, will lead a lively procession through the park, creating a travelling disco atmosphere that promises to get everyone moving.

Buskers Zola Steelpan and The Streetgate Strummers will also be scattered throughout the park, adding to the musical atmosphere.

It’s not just about the tunes, though. Attendees can participate in various hands-on activities, including bike workshops, beginner skateboarding sessions with Projekts MCR, and gardening tips from the RHS and Friends of Parr Fold Park.

There’s something for dog lovers too, with a ‘PhoDographer’ offering unique dog portraits to capture memories of the day.

Food at the Pavillion Café

And when hunger strikes, visitors can refuel at food stalls and the park’s Pavilion Café.

RHS Garden Bridgewater is also offering a special treat on the morning of Make Tracks, with 50 free tickets available for garden tours.

Participants will then have the option to either walk or cycle in guided groups to Parr Fold Park, where they can join the afternoon festivities. Pre-registration is required for these tickets, which can be booked via the Visit Salford website.

Councillor Mike McCusker, Salford City Council

Councillor Mike McCusker, Salford City Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Transport, and Sustainable Development, expressed his excitement about the event: “We are immensely proud of the new Bee Network routes that are opening up greener travel options for our residents.

“Make Tracks is a celebration of this, and we hope it inspires people to explore these new routes and enjoy a day of music and community.”

Richard Nickson, Active Travel Network Director at TfGM, added: “We’re thrilled to see the completion of this new active travel scheme, which provides residents with sustainable travel options to RHS Bridgewater and beyond.

“It’s a fantastic addition to Greater Manchester’s growing Bee Network.”

A perfect day to check out your new cycling and walking paths

The day promises to be a celebration of Salford’s commitment to sustainability, active travel, and community spirit.

With music, workshops, and activities for all ages, Make Tracks offers a perfect way for locals to explore the newly improved routes while enjoying a fun-filled day out in the park.

For full details and updates on the Make Tracks event, visit www.visitsalford.info/maketracks