FORGET the usual corny clichés. All you need to know this Easter is that Tameside Cultural Services has lined up a full two weeks of fun, family activities.
No sooner will the school holidays have begun, on Saturday, April 6, than you’ll be able to view the new exhibition at Portland Basin Museum in Ashton. “Toy Box Tales” will be displaying toys from the Twenties to the present day, so there’ll be lots to interest all ages, from grandparents downwards.
If drama’s your thing, how about watching “The Boy and the Mermaid” at the Astley Cheetham Gallery in Stalybridge on Tuesday, April 9? It’s a fishy tale of merfolk complete with music, puppetry and even a rapping octopus. It’s ideal for children aged five and over.
There are shows at noon and 2.30pm and tickets are £3 per child with one accompanying adult free. For more information call 0161 342 4144.
Nature-lovers are catered for with two events: “It’s a Small (and Wiggly) World at Lymefield Broad Mills, Broadbottom, on Wednesday, April 10; and Go Wild in Spring, in Carrbrook, on Thursday, April 18.
Both give families the chance to go outdoors and look at the tiny creatures with which we share Tameside.
On Easter Sunday (April 21) head over to the Lower Higham Visitor Centre in Gee Cross (1 to 3pm), and take part in our egg hunt. Younger children will love it and they can take part in competitions for best-dressed Easter egg and bonnet.
True to form, Portland Basin has organised an extra special fun day for Easter Monday (April 22). ScallyWags Theatre Company are back to tell some terrible tales about the Black Knight and Tameside’s horrible history. Great fun for all the family.
As well as all this, there are Easter Holiday Fun Days at Stalybridge Library (April 15 – 10.30 to 11.30am) and Hattersley Library (April 18 – 2.15 to 3.15pm), plus all the regular events like the junior history club; Kids in the Environment; the CoderDojo; Make, Do and Play and Meet Tommy Atkins.
Give it another week, and, on Sunday, April 28, Stamford Park hosts its annual family funday (noon to 4pm) with entertainment galore and all against a backdrop of colourful flowers.