Hope Mill Theatre has been awarded a grant of £198,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support community projects as part of the historic venue's 200th birthday celebrations.
The theatre company is based in the Grade II Listed Hope Mill building in the city centre's Ancoats area. The mill was built in 1824 and operated as a weaving and cotton spinning factory. The grant means Hope Mill Theatre Company will be able to play host to a series of celebratory community events throughout the year.
The main celebration will take place over the August bank holiday (August 24-25). A free family fun day will offer families the opportunity to celebrate in the grounds of the mill and will include Victorian-style funfair attractions, stalls and food, as well as a chance to find out more about the history of the building and area. The ice-cream cone, for example, was invented in Ancoats and to honour it, all attendees will receive a free ice cream. The grant will also fund research into the history of the mill and local area, and there will be an open evening in October.
The funding will support the theatre's re-introduction of its monthly play reading club and young people's summer school, as well as funding artists as part of its annual LGBTQ+ festival.
William Whelton, CEO and co-founder of the theatre, said: “We are thrilled to receive this grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will help us to celebrate the amazing building we have called home for nine years.
“As an organisation, Hope Mill Theatre navigated some difficult times last year, but as a result we are more resilient and have a really exciting year ahead. This funding is a welcome addition to our established work with our local community and young people.”
Helen Featherstone, director England North at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Having played a key role in Manchester’s industrial story and now as a centre for creativity, Hope Mill has a vibrant and rich history and we are delighted to support the celebration of the building’s 200th birthday."
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