Town treasures Joy Division and Charles Roe are being honoured in events starting this week.

Incubation Arts, a social enterprise company, is hosting events at Charles Roe House to celebrate the 300th birthday of Macclesfield industrialist Charles Roe who lived at the house, as well as the legacy of Joy Division and its lead singer Ian Curtis.

It’s the 35th anniversary of Ian Curtis’ death on Monday.

This week an exhibition of photographs of Ian Curtis and the band opened at the house. The exhibition ‘I Remember Nothing’ is by photographer Martin O’Neill.

Also featuring is work by Macclesfield artist Joe Cheetham, who is presenting paintings to remember Ian Curtis and will be on hand to talk to visitors.

There will also be images by artist and graphic illustrator Nick Oldham.

Julie Hamer, who manages Incubation Arts with Jeff Teasdale, said: “The exhibition celebrates the legacy of Joy Division and Ian Curtis. In 1979 Martin O’Neill photographed a series of small gigs at a youth club in Bowdon Vale, ten miles south of Manchester. Among the local talent appearing on those cold winter Wednesdays were Joy Division.

“We’re helping to make this a year to remember for Joy Division fans.

“We’re indebted to Martin McMillan OBE, the owner of Charles Roe House for the supporting the project and helping Incubation Arts promote arts and culture.”

Events in honour of Charles Roe, who was said to bring the silk industry to Macclesfield, include an exhibition called Threads starting on Sunday, open 11am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday, curated by local historian Dorothy Bentley Smith, running until June 28. A play written by Dorothy will be performed on Sunday, May 17, 24 and 31.

Julie said: “Dorothy invites you to step back into the world of Charles Roe, his house and his family.

“Based on original research Dorothy’s play brings out some surprising details, which, between the drama and the comedy are sure to entertain.”

There is a preview for the Joy Division exhibition on Sunday, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, and a special opening on Monday, 11am to 4pm.

To book for the Charles Roe play contact the Visitor Information Centre on 01625 378123.

Go to incubationarts.org and call 07782 312264.