by Stretford Public Hall
Stretford Public Hall will be holding a Heritage Open Day on Saturday 12 September, from 1pm to 5pm, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the hall from all over Trafford.
Commissioned by philanthropists John and Enriqueta Rylands, the hall officially opened on 13 September 1879. Since 2015, it has been a community-owned venue, run by staff and volunteers, for the benefit of the local community.
Come and learn about the history of this impressive neo-Gothic, Grade II listed building and the people and events that helped to shape it through the years, turning it into the prominent and valuable community resource it is today.
Entry is free and visitors will have the chance to tour parts of the building that are not usually open to the public, such as the hall’s clock tower and the vast basement, and even have a chat with ‘Enriqueta’!
Key attractions will include:
- A talk by Dr Elizabeth Gow, Curator and Archivist at John Rylands Library, on ‘The Forgotten Library’, an exhibition about Enriqueta Rylands and her books, currently running at John Rylands until the end of October
- A pop-up recording space where you can record your memories of the hall, made possible by George Bailey, Creative Director, Common Arts.
- The Stretford Unofficial Museum, courtesy of Bruntwood, illustrating the community benefit of locating museums on high streets and showcasing their upcoming programme.
- A display by Manchester Victorian Society will highlight ten of Manchester’s most endangered buildings and visitors will be able to vote to save them.
For younger visitors, there will be a variety of craft activities on offer throughout the afternoon.
Refreshments and snacks will be available at our bar and café.
Kate McGeever, hall manager, said: ” Stretford Public Hall has always been a gathering place. It’s where people come together – for celebrations, creativity, support, and everyday joy. This isn’t just a building in Stretford, it’s Stretford’s building.
“Any profit we make gets reinvested into running the building, restoring its character, delivering our programme, and making sure this place is here for generations to come.
“Our heritage open day is a chance for people to find out more about the hall’s history and its significance. “
In September 2029 the hall will be 150 years old and we are planning a special celebration. As part of that we need your help! We are asking people to tell us your memories of the hall and we are hoping to collect any photographs of past events held at the hall, or other material, which will help us to tell its story.
If you think you can contribute a story or materials, please contact us either by email at: friends@stretfordpublichall.org.uk , or phone: 0161 989 1689, or simply drop into the hall and talk to us.
