Hundreds attended the first Cycle Fest at Station South in Levenshulme on a gloriously sunny day.

A number of led rides took place in the morning with the Station South Cycle Club. A social spin attracted families with a relay ride from Station South to Debdale Park and back. Other rides took in the canal network with a break at the National Cycling Centre for a quick refreshment and tour of the building.

Another headed out to Castlefield Viaduct with National Trust. Ride Leaders were wearing the new Station South cycling club kit featuring the yellow, blue, pink branding.

Cycling UK provided an opportunity to test out e-bikes along the Fallowfield Loop. Two Trishaw bikes were available to try thanks to Cycling without Age (Chorlton Bike Deliveries) and Southways Housing. A balance bike session for younger children was provided by British Cycling.

The festival had a busy afternoon with various family-friendly activities such as face painting, cupcake decorating, bike maintenance, BBQ, with smoothies and music both pedal powered by cycling on a bike! The garden was busy with plant pot decorating and the local Men’s Shed group were selling recycled children’s and adults bikes.

Various partners attended with stalls, promoting blue and green space, the Canal and Rivers Trust providing ‘quack snacks’ (duck friendly food) and wrist bands which can be planted to grow wildflowers.

Other partners in attendance were National Trust, Sustrans, Friends of the Earth Manchester, Transport for Greater Manchester, Bee Pedal Ready, Walk Ride, Manchester Bikes and Manchester Active.