Mossley Market Ground will be transformed into an open-air gallery of colour, creativity, and community spirit as 100 hand-painted silk flags take flight during the monthly farmers market.
Standing between three and six metres tall, these striking artworks represent over 540 square metres of fabric – the equivalent of half a kilometre if laid end to end, tall enough to rise higher than Blackpool Tower. Each flag is a unique piece of art, created by communities across Greater Manchester and sharing stories of resilience, pride, and hope.
The Flags of Hope Exhibition is the first of its kind, presented by Mossley-based organisations Global Grooves and Cabasa CIC in collaboration with Mossley Town Council. The exhibition has been made possible with the support of many local artists and volunteers.
Across history, flags have marked identity and belonging. In this exhibition, they mark something greater: resilience, unity, and shared pride. The project is rooted in Mossley’s heritage. Once at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, the town’s mills helped drive a textile trade that connected Greater Manchester with communities around the globe. Flags of Hope continues that legacy, bringing textile artistry back to the town where it once shaped identity and industry, and reimagining it as a symbol of collaboration and creativity for the 21st century.
Leon Patel, CEO of Global Grooves, said:
“Flags carry power and meaning. In Flags of Hope, that power comes from people — from schoolchildren, care home residents, local artists, and volunteers who have all contributed their voices. These flags are not about division, they’re about welcome, pride, and creativity. Together, they show what can be achieved when communities come together to listen, share, and create.”
Emily Wood, Artistic Director of Cabasa CIC, added:
“This is art made with, by, and for the people of Greater Manchester. Every flag tells a story — a memory, a poem, a hope for the future. When they stand together, they become something much bigger: a shared expression of resilience and belonging. We hope people will come and experience the exhibition, and feel part of a movement that celebrates community through creativity.”
Dave Jones, Chair of Mossley Town Council, said:
“We’re proud to support this project which shines a light on Mossley’s heritage while celebrating its vibrant present. Flags of Hope is a reminder of what makes our town and our communities special — people coming together, working side by side, and creating something extraordinary.”
The Flags of Hope Exhibition will take place at Mossley Market Ground on Sunday 31st August, 9am – 5pm alongside the farmers market.
This is the first Flags of Hope Exhibition. With support, the organisers aim to take the exhibition across Greater Manchester, sharing more voices and raising more flags of resilience, unity, and pride.
To volunteer: the-vale.co.uk/volunteer-with-us