MACFEST is coming to Tameside for the first time, with three activities and events being programmed in partnership with Tameside Council's Cultural Services Team in March 2025.

‍

The Muslim Arts and Culture festival (MACFEST) is an international festival highlighting the length and breadth of Muslim art and experience around the world, in the UK, and in Manchester. The festival was launched in 2017 by Qaisra Shahraz in response to what she saw as a need for Muslim and non-Muslim communities to come together and tackle Islamaphobia, and what began as a few events across venues in Manchester has grown into a huge festival across hundreds of venues in the North West, as well as online for international audiences.

‍

From talks, to exhibitions, to community meals, to arts and crafts classes, MACFEST offers a huge range of activities throughout the 6 months of festivities, and everyone is welcome to come along a learn something new!

‍

To learn more about MACFEST and their work, please visit their website here.

‍

‍

Calligraphy Workshop with Farzana Patel

‍

Join us at Ashton Library for a FREE hands-on Arabic calligraphy workshop!

‍

Farzana Patel is an Arabic calligraphist who was taught a unique style of calligraphy by senior calligraphist Hudhaifa Al Awaidi from Oman. Adapting her style and creativity from what was taught by her respected teacher, she went on to become a part of a calligraphy society, participate in various workshops, and host many exhibitions.

No previous experience is required - come along and try something new!

‍

Where? Ashton Library, Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6BH

When? Saturday March 1st 2025

What time? There are two workshops on the day:

Workshop 1 at 12:30-1:30pm - book your space here.

Workshop 2: 1:45-2:45pm -  book your space here.

‍

‍

Mosaic Art Workshop with Zareena Bano: Celebrating IWD and Creativity in Tameside

‍

Join us at Portland Basin Museum for a FREE hands-on mosaic workshop on International Women's Day!

‍

Come and join Zareena Bano, a celebrated female artist, in this fun and enjoyable creative art workshop where you will have the fantastic opportunity to make a beautiful unique personal piece of artwork to take away. In the session, you will be encouraged to explore and express your personal creativity by taking inspiration from designs of the mosaic world, books and artwork.

‍

You will design your own pattern and inlay a wide choice of materials (mosaic tiles, mirrors, beads, sequins, buttons, glass stones, shells, jewelry parts, upcycled items) on a wooden frame. Please feel free to bring anything personal you would like to use to embellish as well!

‍

Where? Portland Basin Museum, Portland Pl, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0QA

When? Saturday March 8th 2025

What time?

Workshop 1 at 11am-12pm - book your space here.

Workshop 2: 12:30-1:30pm -  book your space here.

‍

‍

MACFEST presents: Tameside Community Iftar - Join us for a celebration of our brilliant community

‍

Join us for a community meal to break fast with the Muslim community in Tameside on Thursday March 13th at Tameside College Old Street Campus.

‍

MACFEST, together with Tameside Council and Tameside College, are bringing people together for an evening of sharing: sharing food, sharing conversation and sharing art. The evening will begin with a marble painting workshop delivered by the incredible local artist Rabia Avci, followed by welcomes and speeches from TMBC, Tameside College staff and MACFEST volunteers before we break for Iftar. Throughout the meal guests will be encouraged to chat and meet someone new!

‍

Everyone is welcome to this community meal, this is an Iftar for all!

‍

Where? Tameside College Old Street Campus 152 Old St, Cheshire, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7SF

When? Thursday March 13th 2025

What time? 5pm with arrivals from 4:30pm. We expect the event to end around 7-7:30pm, but you are welcome come and go when you can.

‍

Make sure to reserve a free space here!

‍

‍

These activities are funded by the UK government through UKSPF. If you have any questions, please email events@tameside.gov.uk.

‍

‍

‍