Town of Culture Summer Programme Announced

TAMESIDE’S Town of Culture summer programme has been announced and Stalybridge has a sensational season of family fun lined up.

From wild art sessions in the park, to animation workshops and children’s theatre, there’s something for everyone and lots to keep youngsters entertained.

Things get under way on Monday, August 1, when 2 Boards & A Passion perform two plays at the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery, Trinity Street, thanks to a Town of Culture grant.

“Time to Play” and “Beside the Sea” are for children aged two to four and both feature Mavis and Malcolm – quirky grandparents who encourage the audience to join in. Shows take place throughout the day between 9am and 1pm. Call 0161 342 2760 for more information.

Repeat performances will take place at the gallery on Tuesday. August 30.

On Wednesday, August 17, Ashton arts hub Phantasmagoria (CIC) and Mossley artist Rachel Wood present “Snailybridge – Snail-o-vision”, an animation workshop at the civic hall (10am to noon and 1 to 3pm) where participants get to storyboard a tale featuring snails. 

Participants will build a set, create Plasticine characters and create an animation using simple stop-motion software.

There will also be a splendid snail hunt featuring painted shells hidden in the nooks and crannies around the town, with residents encouraged to make their own.

On Thursday, August 18 (11am to 3pm), come and join us for “Wild Art – Views of Tameside” where you’ll be invited to create some mark making, smudging and leaf bashing prints. You can also fashion your own charcoal sticks over an open fire and create giant bubbles with sticks to glide over Stalybridge.

From August 1 to September 4 there’s also Glorious Gorse Hall, a wellbeing heritage and nature audio trail encouraging families to take their time on a walk around the park, taking in the landscape and buildings. 

Additionally, the park boasts the Viewpoint – a giant picture frame commissioned by Tameside Council using Greater Manchester Arts funding and designed and made from steel and willow by Manchester artist Cherry Chung.

It provides a focal point that frames the picturesque Tameside landscape all the way to Hartshead Pike.

Cllr Sangita Patel Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage and digital inclusivity, said: “In a very special year when Stalybridge holds the prestigious title of Greater Manchester Town of Culture, it’s only right that a very special summer programme has been assembled to celebrate the fact.

“All these fascinating activities quite correctly have culture at their heart and I’m sure they will prove very popular with both Stalybridge residents and visitors to the town.

For more information on what’s happening in Stalybridge this summer visit www.intameside.co.uk