Celebrate Heritage Month in Tameside
September marks the start of Heritage Month, and there’s lots happening across Tameside to celebrate our rich history and culture. From exhibitions to talks and creative projects, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Portland Basin Museum
Visit the museum to see a special display about Tameside’s architecture and history.
It includes:
• Buildings and stories from the local Co-operative Movement
• On show until 11 January 2026
• Located on the ground floor of the museum.
Heritage Open Days Festival (12–21 September)
Heritage Open Days Festival (12 September -21 September) is England’s largest festival of history and culture. There are many events happenings across the borough, including walks, talks and tours. Click here to find out more about Heritage Open Days.
Find out what is happening locally for the festival by downloading a copy of this year’s guide from the Tameside Local History Forum website.
Artwork showcase at Local Studies
Some of Tameside’s amazing volunteers have had the opportunity to collaborate with established artist, Christine Anderson, to create artwork for the launch of Heritage Month 2025.
The collaboration saw volunteers draw inspiration from Local Studies archived collections, to create artwork that symbolises the nine towns of Tameside. Inspiration was taken from scrap books, business cards, leaflets, written documents, hand painted albums and photographs. The unique piece of artwork has been created over the past six months, for the atrium in Local Studies. The final piece features both a stained-glass effect and a quilted element, representing the nine towns of Tameside and the richness of Tameside Local Studies Archives.
Heritage Talks – Free to attend
All talks take place at Tameside Local Studies & Archives Centre
Cotton Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7BY
Or join online via Microsoft Teams
All events are FREE– to reserve your place in person or online, email archives@tameside.gov.uk or call 0161 342 4242 during opening hours:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 10am–5pm | Saturdays: 10am–1pm
In-Person Perks: Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits, plus the opportunity to chat with the speaker after the talk.
Upcoming Talks
Wednesday 17 September, 2pm - Voices of Kosovo in Manchester
Hear powerful stories from Kosovo refugees who rebuilt their lives in Manchester and Tameside. Presented by VOKIM.
Tuesday 23 September, 2pm - Discover Longdendale Miniature Castle
Join Keith Warrender to explore a hidden Cheshire landmark with links to hat-making, tunnels, and even the Natural History Museum.
Wednesday 24 September, 2pm - Tameside Heritage Quiz
Test your local knowledge with fun questions on history, sports, heraldry, and more. Great for all ages!
Come and join us explore more about Tameside's heritage.
