TAMESIDE’S towns and villages are awash with history and are set for another grand celebration of the past throughout September.
People can discover and explore the borough’s rich and vibrant heritage and culture in the form of the Tameside History Festival, which returns this year.
During the month will also be the national Heritage Open Days, where among the historic buildings opening their doors will be the BAPS Shri Swaminaryan Mandir – a traditional Hindu temple in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Elsewhere in the town, the annual festival is always a busy time for the Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre.
The centre on Cotton Street East has put together a wide-ranging programme of events, which start on Tuesday, September 12.
A visit to Portland Basin Museum, which has officially been given a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for the 12th successive year, is also a must with plenty to delve into.
On Saturday, September 16, the museum will hold an event called “Steampunk” which imagines the future through the lens of being a Victorian. There will also be stalls selling clothing, accessories and books, as well as a poet, entertainment and a chance to see people dressed up in their Steampunk finery.
On the same day, Paul Nethercott will lead a one-and-a-half mile walk – described as easy in terms of ability – along the Millbrook Heritage Trail. People taking part should meet at the Oakgates car park, on Hartley Street off Huddersfield Road, at 1pm.
Deeper into Stalybridge, the Street Fest on Friday, September 8, will be followed the next day by the Weave Festival, which will bring carnival performances, brass band music, dancing, street theatre and creative workshops to the town centre.
Councillor 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.”
More details of what is on offer throughout Heritage Open Days and at the Local Studies and Archives Centre can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/archives/news