As part of the ongoing Town of Culture programme, Tameside Council has arranged for the world-famous Hallé Orchestra to give two relaxed concerts at Stalybridge Civic Hall on Wednesday 28 September.

“Relaxed” concerts are part of the Hallé’s efforts to attract a more inclusive and diverse audience. They are completely informal with members of the audience free to move around, talk and clap whenever they wish.

Afterwards, there’s a chance to speak to the musicians and ask them questions. The whole idea is to offer a safe environment where people feel valued and involved and are motivated to attend full-scale concerts in the future.

The music comprises familiar pieces – each introduced by a Hallé member – and in Stalybridge will feature the famous First World War song “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” which was written in the town in 1912 and first sung at the Grand Theatre, Corporation Street, just across Trinity Street from the civic hall.

Open to everyone, the concerts are designed to be accessible and inclusive even if you’ve never been to one before. Performances are at noon and 2.30pm.

Councillor Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage and digital inclusivity, said: “It’s a tremendous coup for an orchestra with the Hallé’s global reputation to perform in Stalybridge.

“The mid-Victorian civic hall is the perfect venue as it not only offers a beautiful and historic setting but is wheelchair-accessible and ideally sited in the town centre with great transport links.

“I want to emphasise that the entire ethos of the event is that it’s open to everyone. No matter who you are, we want you to come along and take full advantage of this chance to enjoy live music played by one of the world’s great orchestras in relaxed and informal surroundings.”

Tickets (£3 each) are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk on a first-come first-served basis, with no reserved seating for any of the performances.

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