Stockport Shares Summer Plans; Tameside and Oldham Treat Theirs Like State Secrets

As parents across the region desperately search for ways to entertain their children this summer, the Tameside Independent sent a simple press enquiry to three local councils: what’s on? While Stockport Council responded promptly with a wealth of information, Tameside and Oldham councils have met the request with a baffling silence. It’s not that nothing is happening—it’s that they’ve chosen not to collaborate to get the word out.

“It’s an absolute joke,” said one local parent. “This information isn’t a state secret. Why wouldn’t they want to work with local press to help families? It just makes them look secretive and unhelpful.”

Credit Where It’s Due: Stockport’s Summer Line-Up

Stockport Council has demonstrated a clear commitment to keeping its residents informed, promoting what it calls its “biggest ever events programme.” For families willing to make the short trip, here are some of the highlights they shared:

• Family Fun Programme: A huge range of events across the borough, many of them free or low-cost, designed for all ages.
• Free Art Workshops: Celebrating the War Memorial Art Gallery’s centenary with free creative workshops for young people.
• Support for Families: Proactively sharing information on holiday clubs, food provision, and other support available to ease the financial strain of the summer holidays.

The “Secret” Events Tameside & Oldham Didn’t Want to Share

Despite ignoring our press enquiry, a quick search reveals that both Tameside and Oldham do, in fact, have events planned. The refusal to simply share this information when asked raises serious questions about their commitment to transparency and collaboration.

Here’s what we found that they could have easily told us:

In Tameside:

• Active Tameside Camps: Holiday camps are running across the borough, offering sports and activities for children.
• Tameside Libraries: The Summer Reading Challenge is underway, with various craft sessions and activities planned at local libraries.
• Portland Basin Museum: Hosting family-friendly craft events throughout the holidays.

In Oldham:

• Gallery Oldham: Running a series of creative workshops and family activities inspired by their summer exhibitions.
• Oldham Libraries: Also participating in the Summer Reading Challenge with events across the borough.
• Northern Roots: Offering outdoor and nature-based activities on the UK’s largest urban farm.

The Tameside Independent will continue to press both councils for a full and proper response. In the meantime, we urge parents to check the individual websites of these venues for the most up-to-date information that the councils themselves seem unwilling to share.

For families interested in the events Stockport Council was happy to share, you can find more information here: Stockport Council Events.

We have chosen not to provide direct links for Tameside and Oldham’s events, as we believe in extending the same courtesy to them that they extended to our press enquiry.