The finishing touches are being put on a spectacular array of puppets, props and costumes ready for the cotton carnival finale at Gongoozler Fest.
Stalybridge Town of Culture Gongoozler Fest will see three days of vibrant events from 9-11 September 2022 celebrating local arts, heritage and waterways.
The weekend of fun and family-friendly activities will kick off with Street Fest on Friday 9 September 5pm – offering food, drink and live music – and will follow from 10am to 4pm the following day (e Saturday September 10) with Gongoozal – free. community event featuring street performers, live music, arts, crafts and much more. Both events will take place in and around Armentieres Square, Stalybridge.
Last, but certainly not least, will be the much-anticipated Town of Culture Cotton Carnival from 2-3pm on Sunday 11 September, when Mossley-based arts organization Global Grooves will recreate part of their magical, globally inspired Queen’s Jubilee Pageant.
The streets of Stalybridge will come alive with over 200 local people recruited as dancers, drummers, brass players and puppeteers in a lively parade, starting in Castle Street and ending in Armentieres Square. It’s not too late to get involved. See Cotton Carnival – Global Grooves for more information.
Volunteers for the Cotton Carnival have created a new doll, inspired by Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko. The nearly 4ft tall doll features Ukrainian fabric donated by a Ukrainian who now lives in Tameside. There were also a number of Ukrainian volunteers helping source material for the doll and creating her dress, beads and top.
Gongoozler Fest is organized by Tameside Council working with the Bridge Cultural Consortium and other partners as part of the ongoing celebrations to recognize Stalybridge being named Greater Manchester City of Culture 2022.
Tameside Council’s Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Heritage and Digital Inclusion Cllr Sangita Patel visited Global Groove’s studio and warehouse in The Vale, Mossley, to see how preparations for the Cotton Carnival are going and view the silk carnival banner handmade.
She said, “I’m really excited about the Gongoozler Fest and Cotton Carnival. It’s fantastic to take a look behind the scenes and see all the hard work and creativity that goes into involving the community in this amazing festival weekend celebrating local culture.
“There are many ways for people of all ages to get involved, whether they attend events or actually participate. It promises to be a wonderful way to see the summer.”
Gongoozler Fest is a smoke-free event. Visitors are thanked in advance for not smoking at the event helping to keep Tameside smoke free and healthy for children and families.
For more information, see www.intameside.co.uk
