More than 10,000 visitors flocked to Reaseheath College and University Centre on Sunday to enjoy the return of the much-loved Reaseheath Family Festival – a showcase of all things land-based, hands-on, and fun for the whole family.
With live arena shows, food and farming activities, countryside skills and student-led demonstrations, the event highlighted the very best of what the Nantwich-based institution has to offer.
The day was packed with performances and activities across the campus. The BMX stunt team wowed crowds with jaw-dropping tricks and mid-air flips, while Circus Avago brought interactive fun to the main stage area all day. Families enjoyed high-energy performances from SDA Street Dancers, Fox Dance, Celtica, and musical sets from Wybunbury Music Community Group, One Achord Ladies Choir and Nantwich Voices Choir. Younger visitors got involved with biscuit decorating and ‘skittle science’ in the bakery and food science zones.
Equine visitors were treated to spectacular demonstrations including Kara Leatham’s showjumping displays, Celyn Polocrosse demonstrations and the ever-popular Student Drill Ride. The RDA team (Riding for the Disabled Association) also delivered inspiring showcases throughout the day.
The Calf Show brought a competitive edge to the livestock area with entries across junior and staff classes, while talks at the Mini Zoo drew visitors throughout the day, with keepers introducing guests to bush dogs, wallabies, capybaras, meerkats, porcupines and more.
There was a packed programme of canine demonstrations, which proved to be a big hit with dog lovers. Highlights included scentwork demonstrations, trick training classes, and insightful sessions on dog body language and behaviour, delivered by University Centre Reaseheath canine science students. From exploring how dogs communicate to celebrating rescue dogs and junior handlers in friendly competitions, the area was a perfect blend of fun and education – plus, there were puppuccinos!
Visitors also got to try their hand at a whole host of activities across curriculum areas, including bricklaying at Construction, tree climbing with the Forestry and Arboriculture team, machine operation in Agricultural Engineering, and wall climbing with Adventure Sports staff and students. Motor Vehicle staff hosted a remote-control racing car rally, while Floristry and Horticulture staff showcased blooming displays and gave tours of the Reaseheath glasshouses.
In addition to the farmers’ and food markets, festivalgoers enjoyed the Reaseheath Farm to Fork experience, tucking into up to 1,400 hand-passed burgers – all made fresh from beef reared and prepared right on the farm. On top of that, 40kg of beef mince and 50kg of pork were transformed into delicious pulled meats, 80kg of beef was slow-cooked for juicy pulled beef, and 20kg of prime roast beef was prepared for Reaseheath’s campus eateries. Visitors also enjoyed a serious number of sandwiches – too many to count!
New for this year was the comical Away to Me puppet show featuring Rex, the mischievous sheepdog, and his two eight-foot Yarndale sheep. The ever-popular Magical Musical Bike also proved to be a real crowd-pleaser. Another new addition was The Calm Corner, an inclusive sensory space developed with Nantwich-based accessibility experts Direct Access, offering a relaxing spot for visitors to unwind with fidget tools and quiet seating.
Stephanie Owen, Festival Organiser, said: “This year’s festival was everything we hoped it would be – joyful, energetic, and full of community spirit. After the disappointment of last year’s cancellation, it was amazing to see the campus buzzing again. We’re especially proud of how students and staff worked together to create something so memorable.”
College Principal and CEO Marcus Clinton added: “We were absolutely thrilled to welcome so many visitors to our beautiful campus for this year’s Family Festival. It was fantastic to see families, friends, alumni and future students all enjoying what makes Reaseheath such a special place. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed – especially our students and staff who worked so hard to make the day such a success. The event really showcased the passion, professionalism and community spirit we’re so proud of here.”
