This weekend: Visit The Victoria Baths Big Community and Heritage weekender

Victoria Baths is opening its doors in celebration of the fabulous community that it is a part of in THEN//NOW The Big Community & Heritage Weekender, which takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September (11:00am to 4:00pm).  Every space of the building will have activities taking place, with something for everyone to enjoy and the feeling of community connection at its core.  Entry is free (although there is a a suggested donation of £4).

THEN//NOW sees the launch of Victoria Baths’ brand new Water Palace Explorers family friendly trail developed in conjunction with local artist Molly Garner.  This introduces the character Fin the Fish, inspired by the images famously depicted in the mosaic floor tiles, who will guide young visitors around the building. There’s also a dedicated play area for younger children located in the Gala pool, which will be used as a social space for people to gather.

THEN//NOW reflects the building’s heritage with an exhibition taking place in the Superintendent’s Flat presented by collective Dez Rez. And there’s  writer in residence Sarah-Clare Conlon, who on Sunday 26 September will be reading extracts from her new book. There will also be hands on activities, including a photography workshop led by leading Manchester photographer Aidan O’Rourke (this is priced at £25). In the Sports Hall there will be a series of stalls from community and cultural organisations; projects that you can find out more about and activities that you can take part in.

This a chance to discover more about Victoria Baths, with tours taking place each day of the weekender (£5 for adults, free for U16s and Friends), which are bookable in advance. It is also one of the few swimming pools in the country to hold an archive, and will be inviting people to explore this poolside with a number of the artefacts on display and the opportunity to handle some of the objects.  And did you know that below the Baths is a vast cavernous world not usually open to the public?  This is where you will find Victoria Baths’ Stained Glass group, which will be opening its doors to showcase the fascinating work its team of volunteers do to repair and reinstate some of the internal stained glass panels throughout the building.

Book via the link below, or feel free to just come along to the event.