Wythenshawe Hall will be staging its Victorian Easter event as planned despite the devastating fire which destroyed the roof and clock tower of the historic Tudor building.
The Friends of Wythenshawe Hall have vowed to carry on with their planned events as they launch an appeal fund to help the popular attraction rise from the ashes.
Wythenshawe Hall’s event on Easter Monday, March 28 will be held outside in the park and will provide an opportunity for residents to show their support campaigners fighting to restore the building to its former glory.
The event will include Easter crafts, a treasure hunt, Punch & Judy show and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny.
An appeal fund launched shortly after the fire raised more than £1,000 in less than 24 hours. The campaigners aim to raise £250,000 to restore the building.
Can you help @WythenshaweHall raise £2000 by the end of today to help restore its Tudor Hall after a terrible fire? https://t.co/kbaaLIiQC7
— The Horsfall Space (@TheHorsfall) March 17, 2016
More than 50 firefighters and 10 fire engines tackled the blaze which started at 3.30am on March 15.
Meetings with Manchester City Council, who own the building, the Friends of Wythenshawe Hall and councillors in the area are being set up to come up with a plan to raise and MP, Mike Kane is raising the issue with the government department responsible for culture.
Meanwhile the Courtyard Cafe near the hall is open for business as usual.
The Courtyard Cafe at @WythenshaweHall is still open and as lovely as ever pic.twitter.com/zSCoN2HlCu
— Sarah Russell (@S_A_Russell) March 17, 2016
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services’ fire investigation team has been helping Greater Manchester Police with its investigation into the cause of the incident and it is thought that the fire was started deliberately.
Wythenshawe Police is appealing for anyone who may have any information to come forward by ringing 0161 856 4882, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.