Stalybridge’s year as Town of Culture showcased

STALYBRIDGE’S spectacular year at Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2022 has been captured in showreel of images highlighting some of the many events and activities that took place in celebration of the accolade.

From entertainment, dancing, craft activities and carnival parades at the town’s monthly Street Fest event to artist led walks, exhibitions and Halle Orchestra performances – the year offered a cultural feast of opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages and tastes.

Tameside Council also gave out £12,000 in 25 grants to fund community projects, which included a wide variety of opportunities for all ages from photography, art, dance and circus workshops to children’s activities.

Community partners, businesses and organisations involved in the Town of Culture programme - including The Bridge Cultural Consortium which led on bid and delivering the programme alongside the council – are celebrated in the showreel, which can also be viewed here.

Although Stalybridge’s year as Town of Culture has now come to an end, it’s legacy will live on - not least with the Historic England funded Hi Street Fest event which will involve a free, spectacular, home-grown procession in the town as part of a wonderful weekend of activity on 9 and 10 September 2023 to celebrate the high street, local arts and creativity.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Heritage and Digital Inclusivity, said: “Stalybridge’s Town of Culture award has been fabulous recognition for the town and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate local talent and creativity as well as the town’s heritage and visitor offer and bring it to a wider audience. I’m excited about working with the local community, businesses and partners to build on this legacy to ensure Stalybridge continues to shine as a cultural focal point and visitor destination.  I want to thank everyone involved in making the year such a success – including local residents who fully embraced to the opportunity and got involved in events and activities across the town.”

For information on cultural events and activities coming up in Stalybridge and across Tameside see www.intameside.co.uk. Community organisations can also add their own cultural events onto this site.