A SKILLS market that encourages the community to get involved in practical activities and learn about local heritage will take place this weekend.

Organised by the 'For Tyldesley' community group, the Heritage Skills Market will take place in Tyldesley Market Square on Saturday, April 22.

As Tyldesley has received around £2.7m to boost the town centre and shop fronts from Historic England's Heritage Action Zone programme, the event will celebrate the past, present and future of Tyldesley.

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Leigh Journal: The event will offer practical advice, demonstrations, and activitiesThe event will offer practical advice, demonstrations, and activities (Image: For Tyldesley)

There will be a host of vibrant stall holders at the event, as well as practical demonstrations and family-friendly activities to get involved in, such as wood carving, plasterwork, joinery skills, putty pointing, and a 'design your own shopfront' workshop.

Expert contractors and organisations will also be on hand to talk about careers and the construction industry, while free planning and design advice will be available for those interested in construction and conservation.

Leigh Journal: One of the shop fronts to benefit from the Heritage Action Zone programmeOne of the shop fronts to benefit from the Heritage Action Zone programme (Image: For Tyldesley)

For Tyldesley’s Ian Tomlinson said: “Last year’s Heritage Skills Market was an amazing success and people really took to the opportunity to get hands on with the skills that help us look after the sorts of buildings that make Tyldesley High Street so special. 

"This year’s market is going to be bigger and better, so don’t miss the chance to learn or improve your practical skills or get your kids interested.  We’re all looking forward to meeting you.”

Leigh Journal: A tour stopping at the restored shopfront at the former Frank's Café on a Tyldesley heritage tour in 2022A tour stopping at the restored shopfront at the former Frank's Café on a Tyldesley heritage tour in 2022 (Image: R. Bowen Photography)

Historic England’s Juliet Baillie, for the Hamish Ogston Foundation Heritage Building Skills Programme, added: “We are excited to meet people in Tyldesley who want to learn more about careers in heritage conservation, such as the training programme we’ve created in the North of England through the generosity of the Hamish Ogston Foundation.

"Specialist skills are needed to look after traditional buildings and the Heritage Skills Market will be a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness of the varied roles involved."

With a £4.3 million grant from The Hamish Ogston Foundation, the Heritage Building Skills Programme is a five year training and apprenticeships programme in the North of England, running from 2021-2026.

The Heritage Skills Market will take place in Tyldesley Market Square from 10am-2pm on Saturday, April 22.