Midcheshire Independent Issue 193

3 JUNE 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk NEWS IN BRIEF WINSFORD’s Verdin Exchange could be converted into apartments. CBRE UK is the agent responsible for the sale of the late 1800s building on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council. They say the Grade II-listed former grammar school could be converted into one, two, and three bedroom apartments across the old building and two new buildings on the four-acre site. Any such project is of course subject to an application for planning permission KNUTSFORD Town Council has installed a cycle shelter at Silk Mill Street, opposite Knutsford Market Hall. The shelter has space for eight bicycles and contributes to the council’s aim of making it easier to walk and cycle in Knutsford. STOCKPORT Council’s adult social care services have been rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following a first of their kind assessment since the Care Act was introduced in 2014 on how the council supports adults in the borough. CONTROVERSIAL plans for 116 homes in the open countryside at Audlem have been recommended for refusal. Nearly 350 objections have been sent to Cheshire East Council opposing Muller Property Group’s outline application for the development, which includes 35 affordable homes, on land west of Moorsfield Avenue and Tollgate Drive. AWOMEN’S wellbeing festival is returning for its sixth year. Womanifest returns to Cherry Orchard Farm in Oakmere, near Northwich, on July 4 and 5 with plans to be the biggest event yet. The festival will feature 12 stages and zones, and will include more than 200 women providing talks, workshops, experiences and entertainment. Lisa Williams of Womanifest said: “The festival keeps getting bigger and better each year and this one we’ll have the record amount of activities, talks and workshops. “It’s a very special concept and a chance for women to step away from their day to day lives and roles and focus on their wellbeing and connecting with other women. “We can’t wait to welcome every- one this July.” Launched in 2019, Womanifest has grown into a larger movement with a community of thousands and multiple projects running along- side the annual event. The festival focuses on empowerment, personal growth and community, blending practical wellbeing advice with cre- ative expression and fun. The 2026 edition will offer more than 100 workshops cover- ing self-care, mindfulness and personal development, along with talks, performances and experien- tial sessions. Attendees can take part in yoga, meditation, breathwork, and sound healing, as well as Womanifest well-being festival returns The event began in 2019 (Image: La Vida Liverpool) spa-style pampering and crea- tive experiences. Entertainment includes comedy, poetry, music, clubbercise, and ecstatic dance, alongside empow- ering challenges like firewalking and glass walking. The festival also includes an arti- san marketplace featuring female- led businesses. Standard tickets are priced at £69 per day or £119 for the full weekend, with reduced rates for teenagers. There will be sessions for yoga, meditation and focused breathwork. Womanifest was founded by Jodie Salt and is now led by Lisa Williams, Tracy Cawthray, and Sara Hughes. The organisation also hosts annual awards celebrating female leaders and changemakers in the North West, and recently released a book, Ripples Of Resilience, shar- ing the stories of women overcom- ing adversity. The book has become an Amazon bestseller. Womanifest describes itself as more than just a festival. It says: “Womanifest is not just another festival – it’s a heart-led movement designed around wellbeing, empowerment and community. “Over two magical days, attend- ees enjoy a festival-style experience filled with inspiration, growth, creativity – with a wide range of activities to nourish the body, mind and soul.” The festival invites women to ‘offering a weekend to reclaim energy, reconnect with your inner self, meet new friends and celebrate womanhood in all its beautiful diver- sity’. Womanifest takes place on July 4 and 5 at Cherry Orchard Farm, Abbey Lane, Northwich, CW8 2HN.