A WOODLAND in Northwich was transformed into a festival of acrobatic skill when a regional event was launched by a Barnton man.

Northwest Slack-fest took place in Marbury Country Park on Saturday and Sunday, with slackliners showing off their balance and tricks between the trees.

Jack Fearon, 21, organised the event, the first of its kind in the north west.

"It was a really successful weekend and I was blown away by the attendance," he said.

"It's the first time I've organised it but there were that many people there supporting it and the atmosphere was great, the entire weekend was amazing."

Around 300 people signed up to use the slacklines during the two-day event, from those taking part in competitions to absolute beginners trying out the sport.

The festival featured competitions, demonstrations, workshops and a live DJ.

Slacklining is similar to tightrope walking except that the rope, or strip of webbing, is not taut.

There are different types of slacklining, including tricklining, full of tricks, twists and stunts, and longlining, which sees people balancing on lines that can stretch as far as 130m.

Jack said: "I've had really really positive comments about it, everyone's been thanking me and saying it was a really great weekend with a great atmosphere.

"Chris Moseley, the ranger, said he'd had lots of really good feedback from the public and hadn't heard a bad word about it.

"After the success of this year Slack-fest will definitely be on again."

Jack is also looking into setting up a club in the area.

"Hopefully it will give me a platform to kick start some kind of club around the area as I'm the only slackliner around here," he said.

"It's something I would like to do and I've started putting things together.

"Hopefully after this weekend quite a few people really got into the small lines that just wanted to have a go."

For more information ring Jack on 07817 438520 or email jfearon93@gmail.com.