Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is to present a series of community projects o celebrate the 200th anniversary of the building on Pollard Street, Ancoats in which it has been based since 2015.
With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund of almost £200,000, the charity that runs the theatre, Factory of Creativity CIO, will present a family fun day and other events throughout the year. It will also initiate a research project exploring the history of the mill building, which was built in 1824 as Fustian Weaving and Cotton Spinning Mill in the early years of the Industrial Revolution.
During the August bank holiday weekend of 24 and 25 August 2024, a free family fun day in the grounds of Hope Mill will include Victorian-style funfair attractions, stalls and food, as well as an opportunity to find out more about the history of the building and area.
In October, the theatre will collaborate with the building owners and fellow tenants AWOL Studios on an open evening, which will include an exhibition in the theatre space about the history of the mill and local area.
William Whelton, CEO and co-founder of Hope Mill Theatre, said, “there is so much creativity within the 200-year-old walls of Hope Mill and it is extremely important to us that we share that with our local community.
“Industrial mills such as Hope Mill were once the beating hearts of the city, and with so few of them left, it is important we honour the past, which includes the good and the bad, but all the time with a focus on community.
“Hope Mill Theatre navigated some difficult times last year as an organisation, but we are coming out of the other end of that more resilient and with a really exciting year ahead. This funding is a much welcome addition to our established—and important—work with our local community and young people.”