Salford City Council and From The Other have announced ‘Make Tracks’, a free family-friendly day of music, art and activity taking place on Chapel Street at Sacred Trinity Church, New Bailey and The Anglesey on Saturday 19 September.
The event will celebrate the completion of the Chapel Street East and New Bailey scheme, which has transformed the area into a more accessible and connected neighbourhood. The project gives greater priority to pedestrians and cyclists while maintaining capacity for buses and general traffic.
Improvements include segregated cycle tracks and continuous footways, new planting, seating and sustainable drainage systems. The scheme better connects New Bailey, Greengate, Trinity and Irwell Riverside with the city centre, supporting the long-term regeneration of the area and helping to make it a more attractive place to live and work.
What to expect at Make Tracks
From 1pm to 5pm, Chapel Street will come alive with pop-up performances from Manchester School of Samba, the Flat Iron Choir and Dhol drummers, alongside workshops, activities and plenty of opportunities to get moving.
Manchester Bikes will bring cargo bikes and accessible cycles for people to try and will be sharing information about the 30% discount on entry to RHS Garden Bridgewater for visitors who travel car-free to the garden, including by bike.
Meanwhile, Bee Pedal Ready will lead a group ride along the new route, and Dr Bike will also be on hand to carry out free repairs and show people how to look after their own bikes cost effectively. Whether you cycle every day, want to feel more confident on a bike or have never really given active travel much thought, there will be help on hand.
Transport for Greater Manchester and Walk Ride GM will offer practical advice on walking, cycling and public transport. For a different way to explore the area, local historian Jonathan Schofield will lead a guided walk uncovering the stories behind Sacred Trinity, Bexley Square and New Bailey. This is the only activity carrying a small charge (donated to Sacred Trinity Church).
There’s plenty to get stuck into without a bike, with a lively Bhangracise dance fitness workshop and the chance to learn a few line dancing moves with Red Rodeo Club. Actress Sam Buttery will host the main stage outside Sacred Trinity, while Roll’n’VibeMCR brings roller skating, music from DJ Meme Gold and disco lights to the New Bailey arch.
It’s fun for all the family, with PLANT MCR bringing its Earwig Hotel and seed bomb making, creative activities from Salford Badge Club and roller disco-inspired temporary tattoos from House of Bodyart. Dog owners can even have their pup’s portrait taken by the resident professional PhoDOGrapher.
An art market celebrating upcycling and sustainability will be soundtracked by local musicians throughout the afternoon. As part of Sacred Trinity’s open day, visitors will also be able to tour the church tower and watch a bellringing demonstration.
The celebrations will continue at The Anglesey from 5.30pm to 8pm, with free live acoustic sets from local artists Chia Kali, Holly Redford Jones and Romy Taylor.
For more information and to book onto individual activities, visit the Make Tracks website.
