Learning

In 2026, Stalybridge Carnival celebrates 50 years at the heart of the town. Since 1976, the annual parade has transformed Stalybridge’s streets into a vibrant stage of colour, music and community pride. Generations have grown up watching from the pavements, volunteering behind the scenes and stepping into the procession themselves.

The Worker Becomes Queen is a landmark international collaboration between Greater Manchester and Barcelona, commissioned for La Mercè Festival 2025. This large-scale street performance unites monumental sculpture, original music, and powerful dance to tell a story of labour, transformation, and pride.

Irene Raddings has lived in Mossley all her life, worked in the mills and enjoyed carnivals and Whit Fridays. Listen to this recording as she recalls her journey from her first mill job to representing the town as Mayor. Click to read/listen.

The exhibition, comprising of interpretation panels sited on the outside of Vale Mill is the outcome of the artists’ creative responses to themes or ideas within the research.

Ian Chochrane and Joyce Hobson of Stalybridge Festival Committee share their passion and energy for the carnival that's still going after 42 years. Click to read more and watch the zoom.

If you've ever stood and watched a Morris team and had your curiosity piqued then this is the talk for you. Martin offers a first hand, heartfelt experience of what the Morris tradition means to him and we are thankful  he so generously shared it with us. Click to read more.

Cotton Culture Connections:
Lucy Wright gives a talk on the long established but more recently hidden tradition of Girls (Carnival) Morris Dancing in NW England. Click to read more.

Our arts for health and wellbeing projects across Tameside

Our teachers can help your teachers…

Your school will fizz with energy as your pupils collaborate to create a community celebration spectacular.

Featuring Carnival dance influences from around the globe, this workshop experience will excite and energise your students as they learn their new Carnival ABC: Africa, Brazil, Cuba.

In the age of technology, it has never been more important to encourage a healthier lifestyle amongst our young people.

Featuring grooves from around the globe, this workshop caters for any bespoke themes or cultural aspects that you and your school may wish to explore, perhaps to suit a special event or curriculum interest.