Bumper opening at Astley Hall
THERE'S a fantastic summer of activities, events and exhibitions planned at Chorley's historic Astley Hall.
The popular Grade 1 listed building has already enjoyed bumper crowds since it opened for the season at Easter.
Now it is hoped that the summer-long programme will attract even more people to go along and visit what has been described as the jewel in Chorley's crown.
Astley Hall and its magnificent Astley Park, which has benefitted from a £2.4 million facelift, is owned and managed by Chorley Council.
Councillor John Walker, Chorley Council's Executive Member for People said: "We have put together a fantastic programme of activities, events and exhibitions so there's guaranteed to be something for all ages.
"Already hundreds of people have taken advantage of some of the activities which have already happened, such as the Easter Egg Hunt and the wonderful St George's Day activities, and on the first weekend it was open Astley Hall welcomed more than 2,000 visitors.
"And there's so much more planned during the year. We want people to come along and enjoy this marvellous Hall and its Park so they can really appreciate just what a treasure they have right on the doorstep."
One of the highlights of the year is the Chorley Council run Picnic in the Park which is being held on July 4. Last year's event was the first and proved so popular with around 4,000 people coming along that another is being held this year. And this year's event will also include the Chorley Smile Awards which rewards the unsung heroes who go that extra mile to help people and improve their community.
Harriet Lowther's The Big Thank You exhibition opens on May 15 to coincide with Museums at Night, when the Coach House gallery will remain open until 9pm, with Café Ambio staying open late too.
Harriet studied at Glasgow School of Art and lives locally, her work has been featured in national media and comprises more than 200 letters she wrote to thank companies and individuals for services they provided and also the responses received.
Other activities over the month include a Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 30; Half Term Havoc at the Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 1 and 2; Nature is Us environmental and educational activities on Saturday, June 12; Get Active, Chorley's women and girls three kilometre walk/run for Breast Cancer Care on Saturday, June 19; plus the regular weekly Find Your Feet walks and even a Bat Walk on Friday, June 25.
There are Play Rangers 'Fun Saturday' activities every Saturday and exhibitions in the Coach House and Gallery include The Big Thankyou with Harriet Lowther, which can be seen until June 27; War Art from May 22 to July 11; David Tress exhibition and workshop from July 3 to August 30 and the popular Chorley Photographic Society exhibition from July 17 to September 5.
For more details on activities and exhibitions and their times visit the website www.chorley.gov.uk/astleyhall, pick up a free copy of the Chorley Smile magazine on telephone 01257 515151.
To find out more about the Play Rangers activities and to book sessions visit www.chorley.gov.uk/getupandgo
