Schools, churches, community organisations and faith groups come together each year for Walking Day. It's one of the most popular, vibrant and exciting days in Warrington’s calendar and is a local tradition since the event first started in 1834.

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History

It dates back to the early 1880s and it is said that early 'walking days' were introduced as a counter-attraction to the Old Newton Races, now well-known as Haydock Park Races. The date was arranged to coincide with the last day of the race meeting, generally on a Friday and it is only in more recent times that the walks are held annually on the Friday nearest to 1 July.

Reverend Powys, Rector of Warrington in 1832, was accredited with its introduction, and the concept of people walking together as an expression of Christian Witness originated from this.

In 1873, Walking Day was chosen to celebrate the official opening of Warrington Town Hall, which  was the first year the procession passed through the Golden Gates instead of through the Old Market Place near Golden Square Shopping Centre.

Community tradition

Thousands of the town’s population will be lining the traditional route to enjoy this popular annual occasion, which is now regarded as a step towards the erasure of historical differences between the various churches and their ecumenical aims.

At precisely 10.30am the members of the parish church will, by tradition, walk through the beautiful and famous ceremonial gates to begin the procession, followed by other participating churches from inner Warrington, all proclaiming their Christian faith.

For over 100 years, Warrington Walking Day has given an enormous amount of pleasure not only to those actually taking part in the walks, but also to those who watch along the various routes. It is hoped that it will continue to do so in the years to come.