AFTER finally getting a taste of summer this week, storm clouds gathered with impeccable timing for the launch of this year’s Tatton Park Pop Up Festival on Thursday (June 23).

Thankfully, they held onto their rain instead of dumping it on the stunning boutique festival site - which is making a welcome return on the shores of the mere for the next seven weeks, after its successful debut last year.

The launch event gave a firm nod to the Greatest Showman – with a mixture of acrobats and fire eaters keeping the heady mix of soap and reality TV stars enthralled and entertained.   

Knutsford Guardian: Former Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne DunnFormer Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn

Promising to be bigger and better this time around, the arena is actually one of the better hangovers from the slowly disappearing out of view Covid era.

There is seating for a start – an aspect organiser Rebecca Hartley said was something she personally wanted at a festival as she hit her mid-forties.

They are located in carefully marked out boxes and squares – providing a nice sense of space and very much add to the overall boutique feel. There is even the unique bonus of table service – removing that need to stand waiting in queues 20 people deep to quench your thirst.

Another new feature of the festival this year is an exclusive VIP area – located in a stunning lakeside teepee with its own bar and plush toilets…when you’re important, plastic portable toilets just simply won’t do!

Knutsford Guardian: Tatton Park Pop Up Festival launch 2022 fire eatersTatton Park Pop Up Festival launch 2022 fire eaters

The whole show ground itself is actually a very classy affair and VIP or not, you’re going to get the special treatment regardless – and that is very much the point.

So what and who can we expect to see over the next seven weeks?

The action kicks off on Friday with Elton John tribute show ‘The Rocket Man’ – which will coincide with the man himself playing at Hyde Park in London.

There is a celebration of all things Ibiza on July 23, while it’s all things Abba on June 26 and July 31, comedy from Jason Manford on July 10 and Martin Kemp hosting the ultimate 80s party on August 4.

There is plenty of events for children and families too, including Jurassic Earth which takes place on Saturday, June 25.

For tickets and further information about what else is on go to: https://tattonparkpopupfestival.co.uk/all-events/

Knutsford Guardian: The launch very much featured a nod to The Greatest ShowmanThe launch very much featured a nod to The Greatest Showman