"This July we are celebrating the 450th Anniversary of the consecration of St Mary's as a Parish Church. We hope that the communities of Disley and Furness Vale will celebrate with us.

It was 450 years ago that the inhabitants of Disley petitioned the Bishop of Chester to consecrate the village’s chantry chapel for baptisms, funerals and communion services – they were finding the journey to Stockport rather too difficult and dangerous!  There were no buses or metalled roads in those days! Their request was granted and the church was consecrated as a parish church on 23rd July 1558.  

The main Festival Days will be Thursday 10th – Monday 14th July,  although we also hope to have the church open at weekends throughout the summer. There will be bell-ringing and a Thanksgiving Service on the evening on the Anniversary Day (23rd July). Celebrations will finish with the morning service on Sunday 21st September, when the Bishop of Chester will be joining us.

Throughout the main festival days (10th - 14th July) there will be:

• a Celebration in Flowers in St Mary's Church - 'Lord for the years'
• a history display in the Church
• bell-tower open for visits (Saturday)
• catering in St Mary's Schoolrooms
• quilting display and children's competition display in the schoolrooms and other events
• scarecrows on the lychgate path
• a history trail 
• handbell ringing in church (Saturday) by Norbury Handbell Ringers
• maypole and country dancing by the children of Disley School (Saturday 12.30-1) on the Ram Green

Programme - All Welcome to every event/service

Main Festival:  'Lord for the Years' Thursday  10th July  Opening service of Holy Communion (10.30am) Friday  11th July Main Celebration Service (7pm). Saturday  12th July Musical Evening (7pm), featuring: Heartbeat Chorus, Flute Salad, the children of Disley School Sunday 13th July All-Age Celebration and Parade Service (11am)   Songs of Praise  (6.30pm) - joined by the other churches  of Disley and Furness Vale - also, Goyt Valley Brass Band Monday  14th July Schools visits in the morning

Other Dates: Wednesday  23rd July Anniversary Service of Holy Communion (8pm) Sunday 21st  September Visit of the Bishop of Chester  (11am)