Celebrations throughout Tameside as Stalybridge wins Town of Culture status.

Stalybridge takes over from Bury as this year’s Greater Manchester Combined Authority Town of Culture just in time for the launch of In Tameside.

Anyone interested in enjoying the best that Tameside has to offer is in the right place. And that’s because, not only can we all celebrate the amazing news of a substantial cash injection towards encouraging culture within Stalybridge, In Tameside will be one of the best places to find out what’s going on.

What does the award mean for Stalybridge?

One of the key features of the award is developing a cultural programme for 2022 that promotes projects enabling people to slow down, connect with the local environment and celebrate its cultural value. That will include activities such as artist-led walks and trails, community growing projects and outdoor activities such as theatre and storytelling.

The award is worth £50,000 and will create opportunities that will sit alongside existing culture in the town, like the monthly Street Feast.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had this to say about the decision:

“I’m really pleased to announce that Stalybridge will become Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2022.

“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.”

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Stalybridge councillor Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council 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.

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“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 ‘A Long, 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.

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"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.

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“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.”

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