Cheetham Festival promises a world of music, food and dance as venues around the area throw open their doors for a cultural celebration.
From Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September, Cheetham's places of worship and museums will be hosting free events, exhibitions and open days.
This is the fourth year for the festival which reflects the strong sense of belonging shared by the different faith and cultural communities in this lively part of the city.
The weekend springs into action with A World of Welcome at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Queen's Road from 7-9.30pm. Dancing and a traditional Irish supper - and of course great craic - are on the menu.
There's A World of Food at the Al Khizra Mosque in Brideoak Street on Saturday 8 September from 1-5pm as a feast of food from around the globe is served up. There are also tours of the mosque, an exhibition about the five pillars of Islam, demonstrations of calligraphy and henna art and activities for children.
A World of Music at Dashmesh Sikh Temple in Heywood Street from 4-8pm on Saturday 8 September will transport visitors on a musical journey around the globe. Children can hear traditional stories and then bring them to life in art workshops during A World of Art at The Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill Road on Sunday 9 September from 10.30am-5pm. The culinary arts are also represented with traditional Jewish food on offer.
A guided Jewish Heritage Trail meet at Victoria Station (near the taxi rank) at 12 noon and finishes at the museum at 2pm. Renowned choreographer Marie Dalziel will be bringing A World of Dance to St John's Church in Waterloo Road on Sunday 9 September from 6-8.30pm.
She will present an original piece of music and dance created by working with local dance students. Other events include an open day at St Chad's RC Church in Cheetham Hill Road featuring an exhibition of the Irish community throughout the ages, an open day at Higher Crumpsall Synagogue in Bury Old Road with guided tours of the art deco building and an open day at the Ukrainian Catholic Church on Bury Old Road.
The Museum of Transport on Boyle Street will also be getting into the festival spirit with free admission to one of the largest collections of vintage vehicles in the country on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Assistant Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "Cheetham has a centuries-old tradition of embracing different communities which has given it a rich character. The festival gives neighbours and visitors alike the chance to sample its warm welcome."
The Rev Daniel Burton, priest in charge at St John's Church and festival committee chairman, said: "Cheetham Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of the Cheetham Hill area. We are very lucky to live in area which so many faiths and ethnic groups have chosen to make their home and this is a unique opportunity to learn about our neighbours."
The event is part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days event. See http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ for more details or call 0161 2051734.
Media contact:
Roger Williams, Tel: 0161 2343275