Worthington Park marks 125 years with summer picnic celebration

Worthington Park will celebrate its 125th anniversary later this month with a community picnic packed with music, crafts, performances and family fun.

The Summer Picnic in the Park will take place on Sunday 29 June from 12-4pm, offering a free afternoon of celebration in one of Sale’s most treasured green spaces.

The event will mark over a century of Worthington Park history and pay tribute to Mary Worthington, whose generosity made the park possible.

A park born out of generosity

Worthington Park was gifted to the people of Sale in 1900 by Mary Worthington, in memory of her husband, James. At a time when Sale was undergoing rapid development, she recognised the need for a public space where people could walk, rest and play. The park officially opened on 30 June 1900 and was originally called Sale Park, before later being renamed in Mary’s honour.

Have you spotted this plaque in Worthington Park? © Life in Sale

The park was designed to be a “lung for the town” and has remained a focal point for community life ever since. Its formal layout, wide paths and flowerbeds reflect the original Victorian style, and over the decades it has welcomed bandstands, sports facilities and play areas, evolving with the town while maintaining its historic charm.

Today, Worthington Park continues to be cared for by a passionate group of volunteers from the Friends of Worthington Park, who have restored areas of the park.

A summer celebration for all ages

To celebrate this 125-year milestone, the Summer Picnic will feature a wide range of activities for families, including arts and crafts, games, circus skills and a chance to try bowling skills on the park’s greens.

Visitors can enjoy performances from local groups including Footsteps Dance School, the Chorlton and Stretford Ukulele Band and a fun dog show and demonstration by Urmston Dog Training Club.

There’ll also be a mix of stalls offering crafts, gifts and local information, with groups such as Trafford Waste Management, Sale Inner Wheel and a range of traders taking part.

Food and drink will be available throughout the afternoon, including Wiggles Pizza, Bibble Bakes, Hot Thai, Extreme Coffee with hot dogs and classic ice cream to keep everyone cool.

The Friends of Worthington Park invite residents to pack a picnic, bring a blanket and come together to celebrate 125 years of this much-loved park at the heart of the community.

📍 Worthington Park, Sale M33 2DQ