Manchester’s museums and religious buildings are opening their doors this week for explorations, conversations and discoveries. From Ukrainian folk art to learning more about sikhism, the events we’ve picked out below will give a flavour of the diversity on offer.
1. Behind the Scenes at the Working Class Movement Library
Get to know what this unique institution has to offer with a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour.
Thu 8 & Fri 9 Sep, WCML, 51 Crescent, Salford M5 4WX, 2-3pm, FREE, www.wcml.org.uk
2. Cheetham Heritage Coach Tour
Lead by Blue Badge tour guide, Jonathan Schofield, this coach trip with a differnce takes in five religious institutions in the area, catering to Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Christian communities.
Sun 11 Sep, meet 12.30pm Victoria Station or 1pm Jewish museum, FREE, booking essential, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
3. Visit an Arts and Crafts house turned Chorlton Eco Home
Explore this fully restored arts and crafts house that’s packed with 100s of eco-design features, technologies and systems. Chat to the Ecospheric team during your visit about what might work in your home.
Fri 9 – Sun 11 Sep, 3 The Thorns, Chorltonville, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M21 8GB, 11am-5pm, FREE, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
4. Failsworth Cemetry Tour
Explore this historic Cemetery with tour guide Les Garner.
Sun 11 Sep, Failsworth Cemetery , Cemetery Road, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 0RS, 2pm, FREE, no booking required, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
5. Climb St Clement’s Tower and ring the bells in Urmston
Explore this wonderful example of a Victorian parish church and tackle the 95ft tower. Have a go at bell ringing and enjoy views of the surrounding area from the clock tower and in a photography exhibition.
Fri 9 & Sat 10 Sep, St Clement’s Church, 24 Stretford Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 9JZ. Fri 10am-noon, Sat 10-3pm, FREE, no booking required, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
6. 1920s cinema experience at Theatre Organ Heritage Centre
Among the most unusual open days on offer, visit the Theatre Organ Heritage Centre to learn more about these historic instruments which were traditionally played as accompaniment to silent films between 1900 and 1930 (before the advent of the ‘talkies’). Enjoy the real-life sound of a Wurlitzer Organ which was originally housed in the Trocadero Cinema in Liverpool and a 1920s cinema experience.
Sat 10 Sep, Theatre Organ Heritage Centre, 2A Alexandra Road, Eccles, Manchester, M30 7HJ, 10am-4pm, FREE, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
7. Trafford Park’s Tin Tabernacle (pictured)
Unusual churches have great allure and this beautiful corrugated iron construction dating back to 1904 in the industrial surrounds of Trafford Park is no exception.
Fri 9 Sep, St. Antony’s Church & Centre, Eleventh Street, Trafford Park, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1JF, 10am-4pm, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
8. A walk in the park – Victoria Park in the 1890s
Just turn up for this walking tour of Victoria Park and learn about its history and former residents.
Sun 11 Sep, St Chrysostom’s Church, 4A, Anson Road, Victoria Park, Manchester, M14 5BG, 2.30pm, FREE, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
9. Alla Horska – Ukrainian Folk Art Museum Tours
The museum is not usually open to the public, so this is a chance to see exquisite folk art in a special setting.
Sat 10 Sep, Manchester Ukrainian Cultural Centre ‘Dnipro’ – 31 Smedley Lane, Manchester, M8 8XB, times vary, FREE but booking required, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
10. Learn about Sikhism and share a vegetarian meal at Central Gurdwara in Cheetham Hill
Learn more about this religion and take part in a shared vegetarian meal called langar.
Sun 11 Sep, Central Gurdwara, 32 Derby St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M8 4RY, 11am-2pm, FREE, www.heritageopendays.org.uk
- Words:
- Ruth Allan
- Published on:
- Fri 9 Sep 2016
