Free European food and drink night to welcome the New Year in Denton

People across Tameside are being invited to kick off the New Year by trying something a little different, as Denton Town Twinning hosts a free European food and drink open evening this January.

The relaxed, drop-in event will take place on Monday 19 January from 7pm in central Denton and is open to anyone with an interest in European culture, travel, food, or simply meeting new people locally.

There is no formal programme planned. Instead, visitors are encouraged to drop in at any point during the evening, sample a selection of free food and drink inspired by Denton’s European twin towns, and enjoy an informal chat with others.

Organisers say the evening is designed to be friendly, welcoming and pressure-free, offering people a chance to learn more about Denton’s town twinning links with France and Germany, meet current members, and see whether getting involved might appeal to them.

The event forms part of Denton Town Twinning’s “New Year. New Hobby.” campaign, which encourages residents to consider a new interest in 2026 – from cultural exchanges and social events to travel opportunities and building new friendships.

Cllr George Newton, Chair of Denton Town Twinning, said: “What better way to start the New Year than with free food and drink? This will be a relaxed, informal evening for anyone curious about our twin towns or looking to try a new hobby in 2026. There’s no pressure - just come along, enjoy some food and drink, and find out what town twinning is all about.”

Although the event is free to attend, advance registration is required to help organisers plan catering. Free tickets can be booked at www.linktr.ee/DentonTwinning.

Denton has been twinned with Montigny-le-Bretonneux in France since 1992 and Kierspe in Germany since 2012. The Denton Town Twinning Association organises cultural exchanges, social events and trips that help build friendships and lasting links between communities.

Organisers also stress that town twinning is about people, not politics, and that the association is run entirely through donations and fundraising rather than public money.

For more information or to book free tickets, visit www.linktr.ee/DentonTwinning.