“For me it's about pulling communities back together"
Made by local people for the local community, we’re bringing a community arts festival to Stalybridge Civic Hall this May!
Our brilliant Ambassadors and Champions have spent the last year programming a festival for Tameside – packing it full of workshops, shows and exceptional new theatre. As the festival fast approaches, we’re taking a moment to shine a light on the people working behind scenes.
“For me it’s about pulling communities back together again after covid, and enjoying life and experiencing joy and fun and the magic of performance. It’s about bringing everyone back together and being able to communicate and talk, no matter your background, and just sharing that experience. Today, that’s really important.” Jane, Tameside Ambassador
The Tameside Ambassadors and Champions are a group of local people who volunteer their time to meet monthly to talk about how art can create positive change within their local community, and to bring those big ideas to life by building a community arts festival alongside the Royal Exchange team.
“For me, the festival’s about bringing things full circle – because the 2018 Den festival is where I first got involved with theatre. Before then, it was never anything that I felt was open to me. So, I’m hoping that the Tameside people will see that it is something they can get involved with, and it’s not elitist, that theatre belongs to us.” Maralyn, Tameside Ambassador
Together we’ve taken to the streets to ask what people want to see and do in Tameside, had brilliant conversations with community groups and crafted at local events – from Ashton Market to Halloween in Hyde – putting local voices at the heart of the festival.
“It’s incredible how many local artists and local companies are involved in the festival program. It’s a real celebration of Tameside. And it’s really great to be aware that all of this is on our doorstep.” Joe, Tameside Ambassador
Through creative discussions the Ambassadors and Champions translated this work into the festival’s programme, in hopes of creating a celebration of neighbourliness; a chance to share, connect and belong; a space to find joy in creativity; and a declaration that art belongs to all of us.
“I hope people leave the festival knowing that the community has something to say.” Sandy, Tameside Ambassador
The Royal Exchange would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to the Ambassadors and Champions for all their hard work, creativity and care which has gone into making the festival!
Join in the fun at The Den Festival, Stalybridge Civic Hall. Saturdays & Sundays across May (9th May – 1st June). Find out more and book here.