The Salford History Festival returned for another year this Saturday, celebrating the local history.
Ranging from different locations, from the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, to St Peter’s Church, this year’s event was held in Swinton Town Hall, containing talks on ‘the volunteers of the Salford area, who fought in the Spanish Civil War’, as well as discussions from a local journalist on the ‘history of the Hanky Park estate’.
Local organisations covered the ‘Save Victoria Theatre campaign’, opening from 1900- 2008, last used as a Bingo Hall. They also demonstrated plans for a memorial dedicated to the Salford International Brigade, whose members volunteered to defend the Spanish republic from 1936-1939.
Thirty local history stalls and community groups were in attendance, with hundreds of local history books to choose from.
Photo Credit: @Mariana Dias
“People started talking about history- saying ‘Manchester’s got a history festival, why haven’t we got one’- so I said right, we’ll do one.” Organiser, Paul Kelly stated. “Just before COVID there were 500 people. And I think there is going to be quite a big attendance today. It’s a really interesting place for people to enjoy.”
Paul insists that maintaining the history of Salford is crucial for families and for children to be educated.
Photo Credit: @Mariana Dias
“It’s gone from strength to strength and it’s getting bigger every year. We should remember what has brought us here today.”
Chairman of the Salford Local History Society, Don Rainger stated, “Salford is a great city with a long history and is an important part in the industrial sector of the country.”
“It is encouraging to see people here, talking to each other, the links and the friendships people develop”.
Entry for the festival is free, with donations for refreshments, with transportation links including the 36, 37 and 38 buses.