Vibrant tales of thriving shops, evolving streetscapes, and generations of local life will converge at a special free outdoor community history event dedicated to celebrating Regent Road in Salford. Residents are warmly invited to journey back through time and contemplate how this iconic thoroughfare has profoundly shaped the local area, while also considering what its future might hold.
A Journey Through Time on Regent Road
The complimentary event, scheduled for Friday, January 30 at 6.30pm, will be hosted by Salford Lads Club at The Croft on Huddard Close. This unique gathering promises to delve deep into Regent Road's rich past, its dynamic present, and its potential future, unearthing the narratives behind its once-bustling businesses and chronicling the road's remarkable transformation over the decades.
Expert Insights and Immersive Experiences
The evening will be expertly guided by esteemed Salford historian Tony Flynn, alongside Leslie Holmes, the culture and heritage manager at Salford Lads Club. Together, they will share fascinating insights, personal memories, and invaluable local knowledge that bring the history of the area to life.
To create a truly immersive and shared experience in the heart of Ordsall, archival images and historical photographs will be projected onto the gable end of houses in Regent Square. This visual display will help paint a vivid picture of the road's heritage right in the neighbourhood where it all unfolded.
Historical Significance and Venue Heritage
The chosen date carries particular historical weight, as Friday, January 30, 1904, marks the very day that Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouts movement, officially opened Salford Lads Club. This makes the event a perfectly fitting celebration of both local heritage and enduring community spirit.
The location itself is steeped in history, with The Croft at the bottom of the street once serving as the home of the Salford Girls' Institute. This reinforces the area's long-standing commitment to supporting young people and fostering vibrant community life across generations.
Building on Past Success
This event builds upon the success of previous well-attended talks hosted by Flynn and Holmes, which included a popular session on the lost pubs of Ordsall and an earlier exploration of Regent Road's past. The programme has been made possible through additional support from the Who's Art, Who's Culture grant scheme, recognising the project's value as a genuine grassroots, community-led celebration of Salford's history.
Community Endurance Through Time
"It's fantastic to collaborate once again with Tony Flynn following last year's successful outdoor talk on The Lost Pubs of Ordsall," remarked Leslie Holmes, heritage manager at Salford Lads Club. "The Regent Road Stories event promises to be another captivating evening, spanning from the Triumphal Arch created for Queen Victoria's 1894 visit to contemporary campaigns to protect local shops."
"These narratives powerfully demonstrate how Salford's sense of community endures through time, and we eagerly anticipate sharing these stories about the region's cultural history with everyone joining us on the night," Holmes added.
Event Practicalities
This event is completely free and open to all residents, history enthusiasts, and anyone with a connection to Regent Road. It offers a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, share personal memories, and reflect on how local heritage continues to shape the area today.
In the event of inclement weather, the gathering will move indoors to the club's historic Concert Hall, ensuring the event proceeds comfortably regardless of conditions.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, January 30
- Time: 6.30pm
- Location: The Croft, Huddard Close, M5 3RQ
- Admission: Free entry (ticket required, available online)
- Weather Contingency: Event moves to Salford Lads Club Concert Hall if poor weather
The event represents a significant community initiative within the City of Salford, Greater Manchester, celebrating the enduring stories that define local identity and heritage.
