MOSSLEY’S creative hub The Vale is marking its fourth birthday with a packed day of free workshops, family fun and live music.
That’s not all, as it will be topped off with a carnival-inspired party that will keep folk dancing into the night.
That’s not all, as it will be topped off with a carnival-inspired party that will keep folk dancing into the night.
On Saturday, October 11, the arts centre will throw open its doors for everything from morning yoga to stilt walking, creative writing, garden sessions, craft workshops and games.
The day will round off with a high-energy evening show from Brazilian drum and dance troupe Juba do Leão, followed by One Tree Island DJs, who promise to keep spirits high until midnight.
The celebrations begin at 9am with Flow & Glow Yoga, offering breathwork, meditation and gentle stretches for ages 14+. At 11am, budding authors can join Mossley Writers for an hour of inspiration and storytelling tips, while families can dip in and out of arts, crafts and Our Space garden activities until lunchtime.
Other drop-ins include a Ride Out Loud story trail (ages 6+), an adults-only craft session and a taster with the Knights of the Vale games masters.
Some sessions need to be booked in advance but remain free, such as a Music & Movement workshop with Olivia Peers from Born & Bread Dance Theatre; stilt walking tasters for ages 12+; and a drum and dance workshop with Juba do Leão, where participants can learn beats or moves before joining together in a final jam.
Food and drink will be available throughout the day, with a pop-up café serving tea, coffee and cakes, and neighbour Pizza Love dishing up pizzas, burgers and fries.
From 7.30pm, Juba do Leão will take to the stage to mark their own 20th anniversary with floor-shaking rhythms from north-eastern Brazil. Tickets for the evening performance are £12.50, with some “donate what you can” tickets also available. After that, One Tree Island DJs will see the birthday through to midnight with their trademark “beats without borders.”
The Vale has become a much-loved part of Mossley’s cultural landscape since a £1 million transformation in 2021 established the Northern Carnival Centre of Excellence within its walls.
Acts such as Mr Wilson’s Second Liners and Honeyfeet helped relaunch the venue at the time.
Amelia Bayliss, general manager of The Vale, said: “We have a real treat for you celebrating our fourth birthday alongside Vale regulars from Knights of The Vale to Mossley Writers. The programme from day to night reflects The Vale’s inclusive community ethos and we’re thrilled to party into the night with our Juba do Leão pals.”
The Vale is based at Unit 2 Vale Mill on Micklehurst Road. Tickets for the evening event are available at the-vale.co.uk or by calling 01457 238 089.