The Neighbourhood Engagement team, working in partnership with the Royal Exchange Theatre, organised a fun, festive night of outdoor music, poetry and carol singing at Cavendish Mill in Ashton-under-Lyne on Wednesday 4 December.
Over the summer months, residents who live at the mill worked with poet and spoken word artist, Hafsah Bashir. During this time, they created a thought-provoking poem about living at the mill. The poem includes their personal thoughts and feelings about community spirit and friendship. Their poem was unveiled and read by Hafsah to the crowd on the night. It will be projected in the courtyard every night between 6-8pm over the next three months.
Residents sang along to seasonal classics with the Tameside Voices Choir. They then listened to a special playlist of favourite songs created by the residents involved in the project.
The Dukinfield Pantry donated three food hampers which were raffled and given away. Residents also took the opportunity to sign up for free tickets to see the Royal Exchange’s musical production of ‘Gypsy’ on 8 January 2020.
This is a two year partnership with the Royal Exchange Theatre. Plans for year two include work with a local primary school and The Dukinfield Pantry and Community Garden. These will coincide with plans for residents who live in the Dukinfield Central and Cavendish Mill neighbourhoods.
For more information on this innovative project, please contact Neighbourhood Engagement Officer, John McGlynn.
