I’m delighted that it has been confirmed that Stalybridge has secured £90,000 funding from Historic England for cultural activities on our high street, as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone.

The Bridge is a four-year cultural heritage programme which aims to engage and inspire local communities, businesses, and partnerships in Stalybridge. The programme will bring people together to help create new memories and traditions through unlocking imaginations and creativity whilst providing space for conversation, collaboration, and co-production.

A Living Archive will establish a space to learn, create and document the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, creating a digital legacy for future storytelling. Utilising empty buildings and hidden spaces, Reveal will animate unloved spaces, empowering the local community to produce a series of creative responses. Sensing the Town encourages movement, wellbeing and conversation whilst capturing emotional responses to the environment using motion sensors.

This is not a magic bullet for Stalybridge but it’s a fantastic stimulus for reviving our culture and heritage. Well done to everyone who contributed to the #HistoricHighStreets bid.

I was also thrilled to hear the announcement that “Foodie Friday” streetfood and artisan goodies markets will be coming to Stalybridge soon. Can’t wait to stop by for some delicious eats and stock up on fresh produce for the weekend. Well done to Councillor Eleanor Wills and all involved!