Twin-credible! Denton welcomes French and German twin towns

Denton rolled out a warm welcome this weekend as delegations from its twin towns, Montigny-le-Bretonneux in France and Kierspe in Germany, arrived in Tameside for a celebration of friendship, culture and community spirit.

Hosted by local families, the visitors were given a true taste of Denton life. Their packed itinerary included guided tours around the town and Manchester, a trip to the Portland Basin Museum, and even the chance to sample local brews at a beer festival.

But the weekend wasn’t just about sightseeing. Representatives from all three towns used the visit to discuss fresh ideas for future exchanges and collaborative projects. Plans include new opportunities for schools, clubs and community groups to connect over the coming year, strengthening ties that have already spanned decades.

Cllr George Newton, Chair of the Denton Town Twinning Association, said the visit highlighted the lasting importance of international friendship.

“Twinning is about building friendships across borders and creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn and share experiences. It was fantastic to welcome our friends from Montigny and Kierspe back to Denton and to see such enthusiasm for keeping these partnerships alive for the next generation.”

The Denton Town Twinning Association plays a key role in keeping these cross-border friendships thriving. Run entirely by volunteers and supported by generous community donations, the association works year-round to organise exchanges, events and cultural links.