Tameside History Festival 2023

TALKS, walks, exhibitions and trips all form part of Tameside History Festival which takes place throughout September.

The month-long event also coincides with Heritage Open Days which allow behind-the-scenes access to many of the borough’s historic buildings. This year there is the chance to visit the BAPS Shri Swaminaryan Mandir on Lees Road, Ashton, to see what lies behind the detailed exterior of this traditional Hindu temple.

In addition, Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre has organised a varied programme of events starting on Tuesday, September 12, when Alison Morgan and Brian Peters look at “Anne Ashton and Radicalism” using speech and folk music.

Author Brent Shore will be reading from his novel “26-0” which is set against the background of Hyde’s record FA Cup defeat in 1887, there’s a Bobbin Club trip to the Plaza Theatre in Stockport, a historical walk around Mossley and talks about Tameside CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) and the work of Tameside Archaeological Society.

Full details of what’s on offer during Heritage Open Days and at Local Studies can be found at: www.tameside.gov.uk/archives/news

Running alongside all this is the Weave Festival in Stalybridge on Saturday, September 9.

part of Historic England’s “Hi! Street Fest” project, it celebrates Stalybridge’s heritage, culture and high street.

Throughout the day there will be free carnival performances, music, street theatre, morris dancing, and creative workshops. Plus Farrah the Fox – a 16ft puppet which will ride in by scooter to be greeted by a giant mill boy.

As an appetiser, Stalybridge Street Fest is on Friday, September 8, and if you can’t wait that long for some delicious food and drink, Fletcher Street, Ashton, hosts Fridays on the Square on September 1.

Two further events take place on Saturday, September 16. Millbrook Heritage Trail is an easy 1½-mile walk with Paul Nethercott. Meet 1pm at the Oakgates car park, Hartley Street, off Huddersfield Road, Millbrook, SK15 3EP.

“Steampunk” (11am to 4pm) at the award-winning Portland Basin Museum, Ashton, imagines the future through the lens of being a Victorian. You’ll be able to enjoy stalls selling clothing, accessories and books; there’ll be a poet and entertainment; plus the amazing spectacle of seeing people dressed to impress in their Steampunk finery.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member with responsibility for heritage, culture and digital inclusivity, said: “Even though Tameside has so much to offer in terms of history and culture it’s surprisingly easy to overlook it when you’re pursuing a busy life.

“Fortunately, Tameside History Festival provides the perfect chance to take in the rich heritage that is waiting to be discovered in all our towns and villages. It offers the perfect chance to see the sights, hear the sounds and stories, and take a look behind the curtain.”