Cultural year continues with latest events

A series of cultural events involving and encouraging local artistic talents is continuing in Bury over the coming weeks.

They are the latest initiatives held in a year-long celebration of local initiatives funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to expand the Culture Strategy of Bury.

Upcoming:

Tomorrow (Saturday 23 March), the Many Hands parade will bring people together on The Rock in an artistic celebration of the power of communication. Workshops are being held in the Mill Gate where visitors can make their own props to be used in the parade.

Storytelling Festival: March-April 2024:

In schools, and at Bury Art Museum, workshops will be held with Ilaria the Storyteller to engage children with stories and characters.

Bringing it Back to You: April to May 2024:

The ‘Bringing it Back to You’ project includes different acts and performers being placed into local residential and care facilities to offer entertainment and engagement to those in our community who perhaps need it most.

Open Art Trail: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2024:

Local artists will be exhibiting their work at their own private studios or selected venues across the borough for the public to view.

Community Arts Grant:

Cultural grants (up to £10,000) have just been awarded to organisations and individuals to run cultural events across the borough, working with Bury’s VCFA.

Highlights from the past year:

Bury’s Culture Strategy was launched in May 2023 at Bury Market, with music, readings and entertainment.

Northern Bookshelf Live was held over the school holidays. Family friendly workshops and activities took place in libraries across the borough to encourage children and families to engage with nature, sports and poetry.

In September, Burrs Livewas a large community event held in Burrs Country Park, with live music acts, entertainment and fun for all the family.

A wide range of local activities took place during September’s Heritage Open Days. Museums, galleries, churches and civic buildings opened their doors, offering visitors the chance to explore local history, architecture, and culture.

The national Tour of Britain arrived on 3 September, with thousands turning out to watch the riders race through the northern part of the borough.

Children and families created magic lanterns on the theme of wildlife for the Winter Festival parade, with the lanterns and puppetry creating a magical natural takeover of the town centre.

And in February this year, the One Love Book Launch marked the start of LGBT History Month. Novelist Matt Cain read from his latest novel “One Love” and took questions from the audience.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said: “Bury is a borough rich with culture, history and heritage. We are home to world-class artists, producers, writers, musicians, archivists, performers and educators.

“We are also home to all our residents, each of whom has a story to tell. This grant has helped our communities, and people of all ages and backgrounds, to do so. Long may our story continue!”