A MAJOR celebration of local culture and creativity is set to launch in Stalybridge this week, as the Royal Exchange Theatre brings The Den Festival 2025 to the Civic Hall.
Running from Friday, May 9 to Sunday, June 1, the four-weekend festival promises a packed programme of live performances, workshops, family activities and community projects – all designed to celebrate the arts at the heart of Tameside.
The festival opens on Friday evening with music, crafts and live entertainment, headlined by a special performance from Tameside-born soul and blues artist Kyla Brox.
The launch event marks the beginning of an ambitious month-long initiative to make high-quality cultural experiences accessible to all.
Developed by the Royal Exchange Theatre as part of its commitment to working in Greater Manchester’s communities, The Den is a pop-up theatre project that transforms local venues into creative spaces.
In Stalybridge, the Civic Hall will become a hub for performances, participatory arts and family-friendly events.
Every weekend, from 10:30am to 12:30pm, the hall will host themed Family Mornings, with Saturdays offering quieter sessions and Sundays focusing on energetic activities for children and their families.
The first full weekend of the festival, beginning Saturday, May 11, features a wide range of events:
- Act in the Den, a drama workshop for ages 12 and up, offers an introduction to acting on stage.
- Phantasmagoria’s Magical Travelling Emporium provides a drop-in experience filled with magical crafts and curiosities.
- Circus Sensible will lead a circus skills session suitable for all ages.
- Doodle Dance invites participants to combine movement and drawing in a creative dance session.
- Dance company Company Chameleon rounds off the day with a double bill performance of Push and Hands Down, exploring connection and resilience.
Platforming Local Talent
On Saturday, May 17, local theatre group Guide Bridge Theatre will present Fresh Voices, a showcase of new writing aimed at audiences aged 14 and above.
The same day also sees Creatives in the Den, a networking and skills-building day for local artists, featuring workshops and talks.
Meanwhile, the festival is engaging the wider community with Grooves in the Den, an Afro-Brazilian carnival project encouraging local participation. Open drumming workshops for young people aged 11 and over will be held on 17 and 24 May, leading up to a colourful performance.
A free half-term project, Congrats!, offers 11–14-year-olds the chance to devise and perform a new piece of theatre under the direction of Martha Simon. The play will be performed on May 31.
@ggc_media STALYBRIDGE is set to come alive with stories, song and celebration as The Royal Exchange Theatre’s pop-up mobile theatre space returns. The Civic Hall will be transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity every weekend from May 9 to June 1 for The Den Festival. The Royal Exchange says audiences can expect music, workshops, shows, comedy, dance, drama, family mornings and much more. For more information and ticket details, visit https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/whats-on-manchester/
Commitment to Accessibility
Organisers have placed a strong emphasis on accessibility. The Civic Hall is fully wheelchair accessible and includes a calm space, accessible toilets, and a prayer room. Selected events will also be sensory-friendly, BSL-interpreted, or captioned, ensuring the festival is open to all.
The Den Festival is part of a wider mission by the Royal Exchange to embed theatre and the arts into Greater Manchester’s communities. Its arrival in Stalybridge is the result of ongoing collaboration between the theatre, local artists, and Tameside Council.
The full programme and details of how to get involved can be found on the Royal Exchange Theatre’s website:
The Den Festival opens Friday, May 9 at Stalybridge Civic Hall. Admission to many events is free, with booking recommended for some activities.