DadFest has been running in the South West for ten years but this year it is coming to the North West, with a fun-packed weekend of activities for dads and children all ages. 

This unique festival takes place over two days in the summer and was awarded ‘Best Small Event in the UK’  by the National Outdoor Events Association. Organised by The Dads Network CIC, DadFest is for all father figures, dads, male carers and their children. It takes place in July at Crossgate Farm, Tintwistle, SK13 1HP and the event is free for children. 

DadFest organiser and founder of The Dads Network, Ian Blackwell commented: “We have been looking to have DadFest in another part of the country for many years but our plans were scuppered by COVID-19. For 2024, we are really pleased to have found an ideal location at Crossgate Farm where we can hold this amazing event. We run the event because dads and children tell us how much they value activities, chilling-out and spending quality time with each other and making new friends."

- Photo - Dad's Network Facebook page 

The festival will provide a range of great activities including archery, storytelling, bat walks, a circus skills workshop, a magic show, campfire cooking, den building, a woodland trail, slip n slide, making ice-creams, Forest School activities, water rockets, star-gazing, and award-winning beer, good food and more. As it’s on a working farm, festival-goers also have a chance to meet the animals. All activities over the whole weekend and camping are all included in the ticket price.

They will also be hosting the ‘The World Dad Dancing Championship’. The winner of this contest will get free tickets to final of ‘The World Dad Dancing Championship’ which is held at DadFest in Devon each year. 

This year DadFest are pleased to be working closely with Just 4Dads St. Chads in Stockport who are involved in organising this event.