Fantastic Programme of Half-term Activities

FANTASY and fairytales are at the heart of Tameside Council’s magical programme of half-term holiday activities.

The opening event is “The Cloak of Spells” which takes place at Ashton Library on Monday 17 February (10.30am to 3pm). It’s a free crafts workshop for people of all ages where artists Aimee and Tom invite visitors to create a cloak of spells made up of individual patches of fabric, each telling a story about a person who has brough some magic into their life.

And before you leave, you can learn how to cast a spell to send a bit of magic back to your special person.

“The Cloak of Spells”, which is part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will be used as part of a performance created by dance artist Aimee Williamson in the autumn at Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, and at Stalybridge Street Fest.

Tameside Libraries have organised a series of hour-long fairytale sessions for children aged four to 11, featuring games, crafts and the ever-popular treasure hunts.

They take place at Hyde Library (17 February – 10.30am), Stalybridge Library (19 February – 2pm), Hattersley Library (20 February – 2pm) and Mossley Library (21 February – 10.20am).

Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, will be staging its regular holiday Make, Do and Play sessions, too, on Tuesday and Thursday, 18 and 20 February, offering the chance to make mini-banners and hats.

Youngsters of all ages are welcome to join artist Helen Dodsworth. There is a charge of £1.35 per child.

In addition, on Sunday 16 February, the museum hosts “Take Over”, an amazing hands-on science and technology workshop for children of all ages and abilities, organised by SciTech. Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm.

The week concludes in Hyde on Saturday 22 February when the Rutherford Rabble present Hyde Art Day (10am to 3pm), an immersive programme of activities in the town centre inspired by the famous Harry Rutherford.

Pick up a sketchbook from Hyde Library and set off on a trail adventure around Clarendon Square. Search the shops to discover works created by primary school pupils and inspired by original Rutherford paintings.

Along the way you’ll be challenged by the Rutherford Rabble to complete a series of activities in your sketchbook.

After you’ve finished the trail, head back to the library where there’ll be drop-in craft activities.

The Rutherford Rabble will be roaming around the library and Hyde town centre, sharing techniques and tales about Harry and his career. Make sure to check out their amazing artistic abilities as they attempt Rutherford’s famous pocket sketch technique and try to sketch you without even looking at the paper.

On the same day, Portland Basin Museum will be hosting its third Steampunk event (10.30am to 3.30pm).

Or you can meet Rose Princess at Stalybridge Library for a special story time at 10.30am, 11am and 11.30am. Booking is essential via tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk. For more information call 0161 342 3443.

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s executive member for lifelong learning and culture, said: “Yet again our culture and libraries teams have put together an exciting programme of activities for half-term.

“There really is something for everyone, with fantasy and fairytales combining with arts and crafts and even Steampunk for a a truly magical series of fun events.”

More information is available at www.intameside.co.uk or www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries