STALYBRIDGE is officially the region’s cultural centre after the town was given prestigious status.
It is now Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2022 – and a £50,000 grant will help develop that theme.
And the main focus is to be enabling people to slow down and connect with the local environment with activities such as artist-led walks and trails, community growing projects and outdoor activities such as theatre and storytelling.
The hugely successful Street Feast will also play a part in the new tag, which has been awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
It also hopes to provide a lasting legacy for Stalybridge, which is described as, ‘boasting a beautiful canalside setting, heritage buildings and a rich mix of independent businesses while enjoying a tranquil location between the scenic hills of the peak district and the opportunities and attractions of the city-region.’
Tameside Council led the submission for the award, working in partnership with The Bridge Cultural Consortium.
And it is said the Stalybridge Town of Culture Programme 2022 will complement existing work taking place as part of the Stalybridge Heritage Action Zone and the Town Centre Challenge.
Dukinfield/Stalybridge councillor Leanne Feeley, who is also Tameside Council’s executive member responsible for culture, said: “I’m so proud for Stalybridge and our local community to receive this recognition.
“We already know what a fantastic, vibrant and creative place Stalybridge is, but this is an opportunity to showcase our town’s amazing cultural identity even more widely.
“Stalybridge’s cultural legacy spans the decades – it is the birthplace of the world’s oldest brass band, the Stalybridge Old Band, it’s the place where the iconic First World War song It’s A Long, Long Way to Tipperary – better known as It’s A Long Way To Tipperary – was written.
“It’s a key location in the film Yanks, featuring Richard Gere, and it is where Beatrix Potter would often write and draw while visiting her family at Gorse Hall.
“In the present day it is still a hive of cultural activity, hosting events such as the recent Royal Exchange’s The Den project and the ongoing and resoundingly successful Street Feast.
“The Town of Culture title will allow us to build on this heritage and the wonderful work already taking place, while also creating new opportunities and a new tale in the town’s story.
“It’s a really exciting way to start 2022 and I look forward to what will follow.”
Stalybridge replaces Bury as the region’s town of culture and Mayor Andy Burnham said: “We created this award back in 2019 because we wanted to shine a spotlight on everything that our towns have to offer, support creativity and innovation, and help people discover something new right on their doorstep.
“Despite the immense challenges of the pandemic, Bury was able to put on an outstanding series of events during its extended stint as our town of culture.
“As we move into 2022 I am confident that Stalybridge will do the same, and deliver a programme every bit as exciting, unique, and surprising.”