Hope Mill Theatre celebrates its 200th anniversary with a weekend of family fun and indie markets

In celebration of its 200th birthday, Ancoats’ iconic Hope Mill Theatre hosts a delightful weekend of time-travelling fun and independent shopping on Sat 24 and Sun 25 Aug, in partnership with Lottery Heritage Funding.

Built in 1824 as one of the neighbourhood’s earliest industrial developments, Hope Mill became the beating heart of Mancunian trade while operating as a Fustian Weaving and Cotton Spinning Mill. Today, the beloved building houses one of the city’s best theatres, cementing a new legacy as a creative epicentre for the wider region.

On Sat 24 Aug from 11.30am-4.30pm, Hope Mill stages a free Family Fun Day to mark their bicentenary, transforming the grounds into an authentic Victorian funfair packed with rides, stalls, a variety of thrilling entertainment and even donkeys. Throughout the day, a selection of vendors are on hand to provide an array of irresistible food and free ice cream – honouring Ancoats as the birthplace of the modern ice cream cone.

The following day, the theatre invites guests to explore the diverse, independently produced wares of Manchester’s best makers, artists and artisanal traders with a one-off Maker’s Market. Running from 10am-3pm, the special community bonanza showcases everything from sumptuous baked goods to homemade pet treats, while BBQ food is available from vendors alongside a choice of local drinks, including Manchester-brewed beer and the famous Ancoats gin.

Click below to find out more.