Something for Everyone in Tameside Summer Activities Programme

OUTDOORS or indoors, Tameside Council has lots to keep people interested over the school summer holidays.

Arts and Events, Museums, Libraries, and Parks and Greenspace have all come together to organise an exciting and fun-packed programme of events that stretches from late July to the start of September and sees the return of many old favourites.

Open-air Theatre in the Park takes place every Wednesday in August. The plays are “DOC” – a family-friendly, interactive show about the maddening role of digital technology; “Reynard the Fox”; Alice in Wonderland” and “There be Monsters” followed by Circus in the Park on August 31 which also offers the chance to try some circus skills.

All the shows are free but tickets have to be booked in advance. For full information of venues and performances visit www.tameside.gov.uk/theatre

Libraries are offering events such as a Lego robotics workshops at Ashton Library on August 2, “A Cruise Ship Adventure” at Stalybridge on August 4 and Droylsden on August 15, Giant Junk Modelling at Dukinfield on August 9, “Handa’s Surprise” at Hattersley on August 10, and “How to Catch a Star” at Droylsden Library on August 12.

Further details are available at tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk

While you’re at your local library you can also find out about Gadgeteers, this year’s summer reading challenge for four-to-11-year-olds, and activities like writing workshops, Story Hunt and Family Yoga.

Countryside activities start on Thursday, July 28, with “Here Comes the Sun” in Waterloo Park, Ashton, when children will have the chance to design sun catchers, make the longest leaves mobile and leave with a summer lantern.

Following up are “Wild in the Clough” at Hurst Clough, Mottram (August 4); “Woodland Faces” at Lymefield Broad Mills, Broadbottom (August 11) and “Bed and Breakfast for Bugs and Birds” at King George V Playing Fields, Ashton (August 25). All take place from 11am to 3pm.

Over at Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, the popular “Meet Tommy Atkins” sessions are returning to give people another chance to see what life was like for a British soldier serving on the First World War’s Western Front and try out some genuine equipment.

A new attraction is Story Chest Adventures in which 2 Boards & A Passion use museum objects, props and their imaginations to weave tales of fun and adventure. These exciting, interactive storytelling sessions last about 20 minutes and the audience helps to shape the stories so that each is unique.

In addition, Portland Basin is hosting Make, Do and Play drop-in craft sessions led by artist Jack Doyle.

Full details of times and events can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/portlandbasin

If you’re in Stalybridge, there’s a self-led craft table at the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery during regular opening hours: Monday and Tuesday, 9am to 1pm; Wednesday, 1 to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm.

It’s a chance for children to be inspired by the works on display to explore their creative side using drawing prompts to create something arty.

Cllr Sangita Patel Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage and digital inclusivity, said: “Whether it’s wet or dry, or whether you prefer being indoors or out, there’s something for everyone in this great programme of holiday activities.

“Our services have done a tremendous job in organising so many fantastic, fun, family events that are bound to appeal to everyone from toddlers to teens. It promises to be a great summer.”