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Into the Future at Northern Roots

An exploration of our futures through the eyes of Oldham’s diverse local communities, projected through the lens of local artists.

This is your chance to join us in bringing your stories to life through ILLUMINATED CARNIVAL PERFORMANCES AND LIGHT ART.

About The Project

Join our intergalactic snail riders Sleepy Pete, Rosemary Ripple and Gastro Flash on a journey Into the Future at Northern Roots: an exploration of our futures through the eyes of Oldham’s diverse local communities, projected through the lens of local artists.

Through the development of sustainable creative practice, thoughtful programming and new works, we will create three Oldham Futures which explore our impact on our natural environment:

Tantalising Technology What will a future look like dominated by our own creations? One where robots rule the world and artificial intelligence rules our planet. How could we co-exist together?

Dystopian Futures When we feed our greed, we cause havoc and mayhem everywhere we go. All of our inner fears will be released into this future that has no end. Are you brave enough to join us?

Love Our World What would the future be like if we loved our world as much as we loved ourselves? We will celebrate all things Northern Roots, connecting ourselves back to nature through our fauna and flora in a beautiful display of colour, energy and love.

We need YOU to help make this incredible Illuminated Carnival piece. Now is your chance to add your own stamp and join us at Illuminate at Northern Roots!

No previous experience necessary.

What is Illuminate at Northern Roots?

Born in Oldham, the Northern Roots charity is using regenerative land management techniques to transform 160 acres of uncared for space into a destination that is ‘of’ the local community, but for everyone. In partnership with Oldham Council, they’ll be helping to continue the Illuminate celebrations on Sunday 23rd February 2025 at their Northern Roots site.

Check out last year’s event.

 

Fancy a whole weekend of illuminated wonder?
Click here to find out more about opportunities to get involved in Saturday’s Oldham Illuminate Parade. 

How to get involved

With honesty, sensitivity, openness and respect, you are invited to engage at the level you wish to with the complexities of our shared histories and identities. We’ll facilitate creative conversations through the arts exploring how we choose to represent ourselves, each other and our community through art.

Together, we will build beautiful, illuminated works which ask audiences to look a little deeper. We’ll share words which intrigue readers with poetry rather than polemic. Our diverse community powered cast will walk side by side with local professional artists, together carrying a heritage that is complex, rich, colourful, and ours.

Would you like to take part in workshops, as a performer, volunteer or crew member? There are lots of ways to get involved for groups and individuals and we’d be delighted to hear from you!

Expression of Interest form

‘TANTALISING TECHNOLOGY’ Microcomputers and coding workshops. 

We will explore the theme of ‘Tantalising Technology’ and what might happen if we continue to create and remain unchecked. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with technologically advanced puppets under development and have the opportunity to join us in ‘creative coding’ to control microcomputers. New co-created themes will be produced and woven into new projection mapping designs to create new digital works to be used in the final production. Get in touch today to register your groups interest.

Age 7+

 

Register your interest

‘DYSTOPIAN FUTURES’ Written and Spoken Word Workshops

We will explore the theme of ‘Dystopian Futures’ and what might happen if our greed depletes our natural environment to the point of no return and how together as a community, we might help to reduce the footprints we leave behind. New co-created poetry will be produced and woven into the final production’s narrative. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with and meet our fire breathing puppets.

 

Age 11+

 

Register your interest

‘LOVE OUR WORLD’ Visual Arts and Textiles workshops. 

We will explore the theme of ‘Love Our World’ and what would the future be like if we loved our world as much as we loved ourselves. We will celebrate all things Northern Roots, connecting ourselves back to nature through our fauna and flora in a beautiful display of colour, energy and love through textiles workshops and visual arts making. Work created will be woven into the costume of our 5-metre living dress sculpture as part of the evening presentation. Get in touch today to register your groups interest.

Age 14+

Register your interest

Photographer Christian Dyson

DANCE

Calling all dance groups and troupes! We will be inviting 1-2 dance groups as part of the event to join us to make up a fully costumed dance section. Dancers will animate specially made illuminated Carnival costumes and share their energy and skills with amazed audiences. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from an internationally recognised dance artist.  Get in touch today to register your interest.

Age 14+ (Age limited due to costume sizes)

Register your interest

Photographer Alan Harmer

DRUM

Calling all drumming groups! We are recruiting groups of all levels of experience to make up part of the music section for this brand new Carnival performance. You will have the opportunity to learn from expert Carnival percussion directors and join us at the event to create a brand new piece. Get in touch today to register your interest.

Age 14+ (Age limited due to costume sizes)

Register your interest

Photographer Alan Hamer

PUPPETEERS

Would you like the opportunity to control one of our beautiful giant puppets? Well now is your chance! Full training will be provided. Limited places available. Register your interest today.

Age 18+ (Good fitness levels, balance, and mobility is required for these roles, if you have access needs and would like to be involved in this section please contact us to discuss your requirements)

 

Register your interest

Photographer Alan Hamer

BRASS, HORNS AND MELODY

Brass bands, melody ensembles and all – we need you! We are recruiting groups and individuals to make up part of the music section for this brand new Carnival performance. You will have the opportunity to learn from expert musicians and join us at the event to create a brand new piece alongside percussion and dance. Get in touch today to register your interest.

 

Register your interest

Photographer Joshua Leo Dorfman

EVENTS CREW

Don’t want to perform but would still like to be involved? A production like this requires a huge back stage team to help manage the event.  Learn about the back stage elements of outdoor arts and join our events crew at the dress rehearsals and on the day.

Age 18+ (Opportunities may be available for those younger if they wish to forge a career in arts and events management and production. Please contact us)

 

Register your interest

WHAT’S YOUR BIG IDEA?

Do you have an idea, a act or suggestion you would like to include in your local event? We would love to hear from local artists and creatives. If you feel you have something to contribute to the event then we’d love to hear from you.

 

Register your interest

DATES, TIMES AND LOCATIONS

MUSIC & DANCE

Sat 15th February Workshop & Rehearsal (10am – 4pm)

Venue: The Vale, Micklehurst Road, Mossley, OL5 9JL

Please note: this date is provisional. Please add it to your diary and we will be in touch to confirm. 

EVENT DAY

All Participants

Sunday 23rd February 2025 – 2pm – 11pm

(Times 2pm – 11pm includes dress rehearsal, event time and pack away. All cast will not be required for the entire period)

Where: Northern Roots Urban Park and Eco Farm, Northern Roots, Kings Rd, Oldham OL8 2BJ

The Event and performances will run approx. 6:30pm-9:30pm.

Fancy a whole weekend of illuminated wonder?
Click here to find out more about opportunities to get involved in Saturday’s Oldham Illuminate Parade. 

FAQs

How old do I need to be to participate?

Dance, Horns and Drumming opportunities are more suited for those of 14+ due to costume sizes. We welcome groups of all levels and abilities.

Puppeteer roles are more suited to older performers who must have good fitness levels, mobility and core strength. 18+

Crew places are suitable for 18+ but opportunities may be available for those younger if they wish to forge a career in arts and events management and production.

Workshop opportunities are suited to varied ages and may be tailored to suit individuals and groups.

 

 

What's the commitment?

Workshop participants

We expect to work with groups in the lead up to the event on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and will arrange this with you in advance.

 

Performers

We are inviting expressions of interest from groups and individuals for a performance on Sunday 23rd February 2025. We expect to work with groups in the lead up to the events and will arrange this with you in advance.

Puppeteers and backpack participants will be expected to attend training (Dates TBC).

 

I'd like more information, is there someone I can talk to?

Yes! If you would like to arrange to talk to one of the team please fill in the contact form below and we will be back in touch soon.

We’d love to hear from you!

If you have a general enquiry about Into the Future then please use the form below to contact us.

All press enquires please also use this form.

Project Supporters

Creating Carnival News

Here you can find the latest news from us and our partners about this year’s Carnival presentation.

GG Bloco

Bang, stomp, blow! Brand new Bloco classes for percussionists, dancers, and horn players!
Join the Global Grooves bloco! Bring your energy and enthusiasm as you enjoy weekly classes in percussion, horns/melody, and brass.
guitarist making music at a laptop

Free Artist Space

The Vale is home to an incredible collective of artists, makers, musicians, dancers, puppeteers, and more. With rehearsal spaces and specialist making facilities available in house, we welcome you to explore your ideas and talents under our roof every Wednesday 1-3pm, free of charge if you need it.
Bridget Creating Carnival - Tempest

Creating Carnival

Through international study trips, conference events, extended programmes of artistic and business development, work experience for emerging artists, and partnership work with other organisations, the Creating Carnival model has been a huge part of connecting us with global network of diverse artists.

Carnival Performances and Parades

The Carnival experience is more than a fleeting performance. We aim to engage all kinds of people, every step of the way, whether that's commissioning emerging artists to work up bespoke choreography, or inviting local people to come up with the costume design.

It's the perfect way to bring together our communities, and celebrate the very essence of being human.

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Subscribe to our newsletter

Pop your email address in the box here and we’ll send you updates about our work, including how to get involved. We promise we won’t inundate your inbox, but you will be able to unsubscribe at any time.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.