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West Didsbury's WestFest: Gallery
Lottie Moore checks out West Didsbury's annual street bash
THE LAST weekend in August sees West Didsbury's annual Westfest return to Burton Road, Lapwing Lane and Nell Lane.
"In a time when many businesses are struggling, and many high streets lack the individuality that small, unique enterprises bring, we’re really proud of our little corner of independence in South Manchester."
Enjoying the largest turnout since it's inception back in 2009, Westfest's two-day bash is all about celebrating local businesses of West Didsbury and promoting trade within the local economy.
Most businesses get involved. There are BBQs, foodie stalls, wine tastings, arts and crafts, cookery demos, art exhibitions and live music throughout the day and into the night.
"You can start here at midday, have your lunch, watch the bands, get merry and have your dinner too," said Emma Barlow, visiting the festival from nearby suburb, Chorlton.
WestFest
West Didsbury also welcomed the arrival of street food merchants, Mumma Schnitzel and Dirty Food Revolution, who knocked out dirty grub till stocks had vanished.
The Violet Hour, Folk, The Epicurean and the Maker's Market all put on live performances of music over the weekend and the sun even popped out on Sunday afternoon for a performance from Chorlton's award-winning, hipster favourite singer-songwriter Badly Drawn Boy.
"WestFest is an annual celebration of our independents in West Didsbury, said organiser Helen C. of Didsbury Life. "We started it six years ago as a way of showcasing the area and the businesses and it’s grown to become a real fixture on the calendar.
"In a time when many businesses are struggling, and many high streets lack the individuality that small, unique enterprises bring, we’re really proud of our little corner of independence in South Manchester.
"WestFest gives us the opportunity to share this with a wider audience."
Here's how it looked:
Badly Drawn Boy
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Before anyone manages to get in a terribly clever observation about hipsters or middle class liberals with too much money, I just wanted to say that I was there and we had a wonderful time. The shops and bars and restaurants go to great lengths to create something very special and with a quite unique feeling that brings lots of people in to the area and celebrates our almost total lack of corporate shops and businesses. I loved it, and I'm really glad to hear that the attendance was the highest yet, especially considering that the trams weren't running on either day!
"Before anyone manages to get in a terribly clever observation about hipsters or middle class liberals with too much money..." You do realise this was published two days ago?
Shit - wow you are amazing! Perhaps I should haunt the boards of ManCon more scrupulously in order to never miss a breaking story! I clicked the link from the email so no, I didn't bother to consult the date at the top of the article - why would I? Most articles on here that mention West Dids or Chorlton end up full of comments from people being bellends about the area, so I thought I'd get my retaliation in first. At least my comment means that someone has read the article.
Alright Captain Sarcastic calm your knickers down, my point was just that, as the article had been up for a couple of days, maybe you're mistaken to necessarily expect the sort of comments you suggested.
Very touchy. Anyone would think these West Didsbury types are just desperate for someone to make a 'hipster' jibe so they can be outraged.
Very defensive, Prince Harming.