APPLETON Thorn’s cherished tradition of Bawming the Thorn returned for another year – with a twist.

Celebrated on the third Saturday of June, the village ceremony is the only one of its kind left in England and has been running extraordinarily since the 19th century.

Beginning with its usual traditions, a procession commenced through the area before Appleton Thorn primary pupils danced around the thorn tree and sang the Bawming song.

Usually, a fair would commence after to celebrate the century-old custom, but this year the primary school decided to open its gates and invite all attendants in for a live music festival.

Warrington Guardian: Local performers lit up the stage, showcasing their own material at the Bawming festival Local performers lit up the stage, showcasing their own material at the Bawming festival (Image: Appleton Thorn Primary School)

In a bid to expose the talented music scene in Warrington, the school welcomed various local artists to perform at the event which saw an incredible 500 people attend.

Head of Appleton Thorn Primary, Zoe Jones said: “The school team were overwhelmed with positive feedback on the day and since the event itself, hearing what a fantastic day out it was.

Warrington Guardian: Vendors and tasty food stalls were in attendance of the festivalVendors and tasty food stalls were in attendance of the festival (Image: Appleton Thorn Primary School)

“There is so much musical talent to celebrate in Warrington and our pupils and families were inspired.”

A stage was set up in the school grounds for artists to perform on and plenty of tasty food stalls were accessible too, including a firewood pizza oven, German sausage stall, a candyfloss machine and a fresh ice cream cart.

Performers included soloists and bands from Priestly College, The Appleton Thorn School Choir and Appleton Thorn Village Choir.

Warrington Guardian: AT dance group did a thrilling performance on the school field AT dance group did a thrilling performance on the school field (Image: Appleton Thorn Primary School)

Warrington Youth orchestra performed with members of their Strings Quartet and Woodwind ensemble too.

Zoe added: “AT Dance were incredibly acrobatic and shared a wonderful display. With the final act from Warrington’s The Belvedere’s Si Barnard, singing a range of contemporary hits, playing guitar and harmonica’.”

Warrington Guardian: The festival was organised as a way to give a platform to talented Warrington artistsThe festival was organised as a way to give a platform to talented Warrington artists (Image: Appleton Thorn Primary School)