This year, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, there's a whole series of events celebrating 110 years of The Willows in Weaste, home to Salford Reds and the incredibly popular Willows Variety Club.
There's been a mobile museum and the end of the summer will see the unveiling of mosaic at the site of the former ground which now hosts housing. Next Sunday, 30th July, also sees a Willows Memories Showcase at The Lowry, which follows the Challenge Cup semi-final between Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors.
The nostalgic evening begins at 7:30pm with an hour long film that records real memories of both the Variety Club and the Salford Reds 110 years at The Willows...
"We've tried to make it an entertaining but also informative film" says John Blackburn of Salford Reds Foundation "There's a lot of music in it and interviews with members of The Willows Variety centre...so many people used to go there and lots met their partners there. The film also features pupils from Lark Hill school recreating the early days of the rugby club."
Following the film screening, the Willows Variety Club almost comes back to life with a 70s-style cabaret spectacular featuring The Matchstalk Men (with the original Brian and Michael of matchstalk cats and dogs fame); comperes Mike Sherman and Pete Maclaine, comedian Austin Knight and Drifters' tribute band Under The Boardwalk.
It's set to be a cracking evening and, possibly, a celebration of Salford Red Devils heading to Wembley for the Challenge Cup final...
Willows Memories Showcase
Sunday 30th July 7:30pm
The Lowry
Tickets £20 adults £5 children
Available direct, with no booking fee, from the AJ Bell Stadium – contact John Blackburn at the Salford Reds Foundation on 0161 786 1591 or email john.blackburn@salfordreddevils.net
Or from www.thelowry.com