Society for Abandoned Animals to celebrate 60th birthday with summer fair

The Society for Abandoned Animals is preparing for a very special summer fair this July, as the much-loved local rescue celebrates its 60th birthday.

The charity’s annual summer fair will take place at the animal rescue on Saturday 11 July from 12pm to 4pm, with an afternoon of stalls, entertainment, fundraising and birthday celebrations planned.

This year’s event will be extra special, marking six decades since the Society for Abandoned Animals was first established in 1966. To help celebrate the milestone, the rescue is also hoping to find local people who were born in 1966 and will also be turning 60 this year. Anyone celebrating their own 60th birthday in 2026 is invited to attend the party, join in the celebrations and help cut the birthday cake.

The team has put out a call to the local community to help make the event a memorable one. They are looking for stallholders to take part in the fair, local businesses that may be able to donate raffle prizes, and performers who could provide live entertainment on the day. Dancers, musicians, display teams, community groups and anyone with a family-friendly performance are being encouraged to get in touch.

The summer fair is an important fundraising event for the charity, helping to support its ongoing work caring for and rehoming animals in need. Based at Mosley Acre Farm, the Society for Abandoned Animals cares for and rehomes unwanted cats and rabbits. The charity was originally established in 1966 by Peggy Henderson and others to help animals displaced by housing clearance and it continues to provide shelter, care and new homes for animals who have often had a difficult start in life.

Before adoption, animals in the charity’s care receive a full health check, vaccinations, neutering and microchipping. The rescue is supported by a small team of staff and a dedicated group of volunteers, with fundraising, donations and community support playing a vital role in keeping its work going.

With a summer fair, birthday party and community celebration all rolled into one, the team hopes this year’s event will bring together animal lovers, local families, businesses and supporters to mark an incredible milestone for the rescue.

Anyone interested in having a stall, donating a raffle prize, performing at the event or attending as a fellow 60th birthday celebrant can contact the Society for Abandoned Animals directly.

The Society for Abandoned Animals is based at Mosley Acre Farm, Barfoot Bridge, Stretford, Manchester, M32 9UP. The charity can be contacted on 0161 973 5318 or by email at office@saarescue.co.uk.