Haslingden High School's Golden Anniversary Extravaganza
Haslingden High School and Sixth Form is preparing to mark a remarkable milestone with a spectacular golden anniversary celebration that promises to bring together generations of students and staff. The school, which was formed in 1975 through the merger of Haslingden Grammar School and Haslingden County Secondary School, will host The Golden Gig on Thursday, March 19th, from 6pm to 9pm at its Sixth Form Centre.
A Night of Musical Reunion and Celebration
The evening represents much more than just a school event – it's a heartfelt reunion that will see alumni travelling from across the country to participate. The celebration will honour both past and present student achievements while providing the perfect opportunity to rekindle old friendships and reconnect former staff with their students.
Richard Albiston, the school's behaviour and support manager who began his career at Haslingden High as an English teacher in 2002, has been instrumental in organising the entertainment. Together with Head of Expressive Arts Kevin Gibbs and other dedicated staff members, they have coordinated a programme that showcases the remarkable musical talent that has emerged from the school over five decades.
Talented Alumni Return to Perform
The Sixth Form Theatre will be transformed into a vibrant gig venue for the occasion, with seating removed to create space for dancing and celebration. Among the featured performers will be talented former student and musician Lucy Rushton, whose return promises to be a highlight of the evening.
Amelia Mansfield, another alumna who has since become a music teacher in Huddersfield, will also take to the stage. The entertainment lineup further includes acts that excelled in the school's Haslingden's Got Talent show last Christmas, featuring alternative band The Hopes along with singers Sylvie Knightley and Imogen Eggar.
"We will be retrospectively celebrating 50 years of our school, but we will also be looking forward to the next 50 years," explained Mr Albiston. "Soon Haslingden High School will have a fantastic new building that will offer the best of facilities. I am looking forward to seeing past students come back and perform again and them coming back will be inspirational for our current students to show them that they can have a career in the music industry."
Interactive Displays and Local Enterprise
Throughout the Sixth Form Centre, visitors will encounter informative and interactive 'where are they now' displays that trace the journeys of former students. The Haslingden High School PTFA will be providing refreshments and a bar to ensure guests can celebrate in comfort.
The event will also showcase successful local businesses founded by alumni. Isabel Maidens, who owns the popular bakery Isabakes in Rawtenstall, will run a stall at The Golden Gig. Having started her business from her home kitchen in Helmshore nearly a decade ago, she is preparing to relocate to a prominent Bank Street location. She will be joined by Selene Bridge, another former student who owns the clothing boutique Unscripted in Haslingden.
Ticket Information and Participation
Tickets for this special anniversary celebration are priced at £6.13 and are available through Eventbrite. Alumni who wish to return to perform in the theatre can contact Mr Albiston directly. Those interested in contributing towards the displays or seeking additional information about the event are encouraged to contact the school's dedicated anniversary email address.
This golden anniversary celebration represents not just a look back at fifty years of educational excellence, but also a forward-looking celebration of community, achievement, and the bright future ahead for Haslingden High School and its students.
