Bridgewater Canal events
Get involved!
There are a number of different ways that you can get involved in the Bridgewater Canal Corridor project, this can be through taking part in events and celebrations during the 250th anniversary year, or volunteering and making a real difference to the local environment.
Bridgewater Canal 250th anniversary
2011 sees the 250th anniversary of the Bridgewater Canal in Salford. Opened in 1761, the canal is arguably the birthplace of the industrial revolution, with its engineering and social innovations shaping modern society.
To mark this momentous occasion there will be a number of exciting events taking place throughout the year.
In February 2011 we started the celebrations at Worsley Court House. Dedicated members of the local community were invited to be fed and entertained at the court house in order to say 'thank you' for all their hard work, passion and enthusiasm in making the canal what it is today. Acts included the Barton Theatre Company who performed a specially written A-Z of the Bridgewater Canal in their inimitable style, Pete Martin who saved the day with a series of well known cover versions and little known period songs about the city and canal, Jo Bell, who gave a passionate performance of her specially written poem 'The Duke's Cut' (available to download at the bottom of the page) and last but not least the Walkden and Farnworth brass band who performed a series of traditional songs from the minstrels gallery.
On 28 April, Mikron Theatre Company premiered their new play, Hell and Highwater, in two open air performances on Worsley Green. The weather was on our side as the actors sang, danced and played their way through a specially written play that commemorated the vision, toil and genius behind the building of the Bridgewater Canal. 170 people brought along their chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the play.
But the celebrations don't stop here! There is lots going on throughout the year and whatever you choose to do, there is something for all the family to celebrate the Bridgewater's birthday!
Bridgewater Canal mobile phone app
A free Bridgewater Canal iPhone app written by Salford residents can now be downloaded by anybody interested in the historic waterway.
Canal visitors making their way from Boothstown to Barton can use the app to look out for landmarks, buildings and animals. Features also include historic images of the canal, interesting facts and memories from local people.
Titled ‘The Bridgewater Canal - a waterside trail’, the app has been designed to bring the heritage and nature of the Bridgewater Canal to life on people’s mobile phones and can be downloaded for free from the Apple iTunes App Store. As part of the Bridgewater Canal 250th anniversary, The Friends of Salford Museum and Art Gallery have written the app with help from Salford City Council and Salford Community Leisure. It’s been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Councillor Paula Boshell, Salford City Council’s Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Culture and Leisure said: “The free app is a brilliant way to find out more about the Bridgewater Canal and it’s fascinating past over the last 250 years. If you have an iPhone and love the great outdoors, I’d really recommend it.”
Download the Bridgewater app from the iTunes App Store.
Events
'The First Cut'
This exhibition is no longer on display at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, but will be going on tour to various venues across Salford. This exhibition commemorates 250 years of the Bridgewater Canal. The exhibition includes newly created content by the local community, including stories of the canal, photographs, and a specially made film.
Displays at each cluster of venues will feature:
- Information panels from the museum exhibition Story Chair where you can listen to stories about the Bridgewater Canal
- A beautiful textile wall hanging made by members of the community and textile artist Jane Dennerly
- A short film inspired by the Bridgewater Canal, made by local young people
- Story Chair where you can listen to stories about the Bridgewater Canal
Tour dates:
Tuesday 31 January 2012 to Monday 27 February 2012
Monday 27 February 2012 to Friday 16 March 2012
Friday 16 March 2012 to Friday 30 March 2012
The First Cut, activities and exhibition
The Friends of Salford Museum and Art Gallery (FSMA) will be coordinating a series of community based activities and events across the anniversary year. These events will culminate in an exhibition which celebrates the 250th anniversary year.
- Volunteer with the Friends of Salford Museum to investigate the Bridgewater archive and select pieces to exhibit
- Record peoples memories and stories of the Bridgewater Canal
- Create a film to tell people your tales and experiences with the Bridgewater Canal (in partnership with Creative Industries in Salford)
- Explore the canal through the Heritage Treasure Hunt mobile application for iPhone and Android users
- Take part in the creation of a tapestry to commemorate the 250th anniversary
- See all these fantastic objects at the 'First Cut' exhibition from October 2011 at Salford Museum and Art Gallery
Volunteering on the Bridgewater Canal
In 2011, Salford City Council was awarded funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund to kick-start volunteering across the Bridgewater Canal in Salford. Jill Tyson, Bridgewater Canal Project Officer, is delivering several projects with opportunities for the local community to get involved in various types of volunteering from environmental works to heritage and arts projects. If you would like more information or would like to get involved please contact Jill Tyson on 07872 808 003 or email bridgewatercanalproject@salford.gov.uk.
Bridgewater volunteers
Enjoy the fresh air, meet new people and join in practical conservation activities with the Community Project Officer for the Bridgewater Canal on any of the dates below:
- Sunday 5 February 2012
- Thursday 23 February 2012
- Saturday 3 March 2012
- Wednesday 21 March 2012
- Sunday 1 April 2012
- Wednesday 25 April 2012
Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Site: Duke's Drive, Parrin Lane, Salford
Meeting point: Car park at Duke's Drive
Contact: Jill Tyson - 07872 808 003
Email: bridgewatercanalproject@salford.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 26 January 2012
