20 August 2026 2 min read

Heritage Open Day

Discover the history of Stretford Public Hall at our free heritage open day.
We are holding a Heritage Open Day on Saturday 12 September, from 1pm to 5pm, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the hall from all over Trafford.
Commissioned by philanthropists John and Enriqueta Rylands, Stretford Public Hall officially opened on 13 September 1879. Since 2015, it has been a community-owned venue, run by staff and volunteers, for the benefit of the local community.

Come and learn about the history of our impressive neo-Gothic, Grade II listed building and the people and events that helped to shape it through the years, turning it into the prominent and valuable community resource it is today.

Entry is free and visitors will have the chance to tour parts of the building that are not usually open to the public, such as the hall’s clock tower and the vast basement, and even have a chat with ‘Enriqueta’!

Key attractions include:

  • A talk by Dr Elizabeth Gow, Curator and Archivist at John Rylands Library, on ‘The Forgotten Library’, an exhibition about Enriqueta Rylands and her books, currently running at John Rylands until the end of October
  • A pop-up recording space where you can record your memories of the hall, made possible by George Bailey, Creative Director, Common Arts.
  • The Stretford Unofficial Museum, courtesy of Bruntwood, with a display about the concept of museums on high streets and their upcoming programme.

Younger visitors will be able to try out a variety of craft activities during the afternoon.

Refreshments and snacks will be available at our bar and café.
In September 2029 the hall will be 150 years old and we are planning a special celebration. As part of that we need your help! We are asking people to tell us your memories of the hall and we are hoping to collect any photographs of past events held at the hall, or other material, which will help us to tell its story.

If you think you can help us gather stories and materials, please either contact us by email at friends@stretfordpublichall.org.uk