Tameside set for grand celebration of the past

The Tameside History Festival – which this year has the double centenary of the Peterloo massacre as its theme - starts today.  

During the ten-day event there will be plenty of opportunities for people to discover their local history and culture with many historic buildings open to the public.

Creating a fun aspect to proceedings, Ashton Market has joined forces with Ashton Town Team to arrange ‘The Return of the Black Knight’ with events including medieval re-enactments, a live bird of prey exhibit, feudal warfare displays and bard storytelling. 

While simultaneously the Ladysmith Centre has fun for the children with a ‘fire breathing dragon’, warrior workshop, court jester and treasure hunt for the king’s riches.

Local writers Philip and David Williams Brothers will also be on hand, signing copies of their brand new book ‘For Your Delectation and Delight’: A History of the Music Halls and Theatres of Ashton (and some of the shows and people who have appeared in them). 

They will also be signing their back catalogue of local history books, one of which, ‘The Knight Rides Out’ provides an absorbing journey back in time to explore and examine part of Ashton’s heritage that is ‘The Black Knight’. With the town centre adopting the Knight as their mascot, the brothers will be providing an insight into the legend.

Meanwhile, Ashton MP Angela Rayner obtained a signed copy of the brothers’ latest book for herself recently. The book was only very recently released and has been many years in the making.