Bumper Easter Activities Programme Announced

AS befits spring being the season of new growth, there’s a green theme to much of Tameside Council’s programme of activities for the school Easter holidays.

Libraries have organised “In the Garden” family sessions at Stalybridge (5 April 2-3pm), Denton (6 April, 2.30-3.30pm), Hyde (12 April, 2-3pm) and Mossley (14 April, 10.30-11.30am).

Everyone’s welcome to call in for a craft, a game and a treasure hunt based around the theme of a spring garden. The activities are ideal for children aged four to 11, and there’s no need to book. Just drop in.

On Wednesday, April 5, Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, will be hosting “Spring is in the Air” when you can have a go at planting seedlings, making wild flower seed bombs and getting creative with eggs and plant dyes. It’s another free drop-in event and open from noon to 3pm.

At the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery in Stalybridge, the name of the new exhibition is “At One with Nature” where you can also find a children’s craft table.

Or why not get out into the fresh air at Gorse Hall Country Park on the Dukinfield – Stalybridge border?

“Glorious Gorse Hall” is a heritage and nature audio walk for families which encourages you to slow down and enjoy the outdoors and exercise. Created by 2 Boards & A Passion Theatre Company with support from the Friends of Gorse Hall Park and Tameside Historical Society it’s available to download at www.2baap.co.uk/glorious-gorse-hall

If theatre’s more your thing, there are three productions to look forward to. “The Pigeon and the Watch” – which takes place among the shops on Portland Basin’s 1920s street on Saturday, April 1, at 10.30am and 12.30pm – goes back to 1923 to tell the story of Aunt Stella and Bertie who are having pigeon trouble.

It’s a promenade theatre performance, funded by Arts Council England, which is free to watch and suitable for all ages. There’s no need to book.

“The Dancing Elephant” on Tuesday, April 4, where Mahi is transported into a video game by magical moon Chand, and “Breathe” on Tuesday, April 11, which is an exciting journey through the forest told from the perspective of an acorn, both take place at the Astley Cheetham Gallery.

“Breathe” is suitable for children aged five and over and has performances at noon and 2.30pm. “The Dancing Elephant” is for six to 13-year-olds with shows at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Tickets are £3.50 per child and available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/tameside-mbc

“Get Moving” – on Wednesday, April 12 – is a free interactive experience based on the award-winning Armchair Adventures podcast where children aged six to 10 visit a giant obstacle course and learn how to enjoy sports as a team.

It’s on from 10am to noon and 1 to 3pm at Stalybridge Civic Hall, Trinity Street. For more information visit www.intameside.co.uk

On the same day Ashton Library (10.30-11.30am) and Droylsden Library (1.30-2.30pm) host a Bollywood v Haka Dance Workshop. It’s a free fun, inclusive and interactive workshop of dance, movement and Haka with award-winning artist Salma Zaman. All ages are welcome but booking is essential at www.tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk

There are fun maths and English workshops too where children can discover the magic of learning. On Wednesday, April 5, there’s “A Spring in your Step” at Ashton Library, and on Friday, April 14, it’s over to Droylsden Library for “A Knight’s Journey”.

Both take place from 10am to noon. Places must be booked in advance at www.tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk

For those who enjoy military history, the Manchester Regiment 1914-18 living history group will be on parade at Portland Basin Museum from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, April 15. Find out how soldiers lived in the trenches and handle some authentic military kit.

The museum will also be hosting its popular Make, Do and Play sessions on the Tuesday and Thursday of each week (11am-3pm, £1.50 per child).

A Tameside Council spokesman said: “Our library, events and cultural services have once again excelled themselves in producing a varied and highly entertaining programme of Easter activities for the whole family.

“Whether you like getting into the fresh air or prefer something that takes place indoors, such as family theatre, there is lots to enjoy.”