TRANSMISSION is a vibrant new celebration of Tameside's dance heritage
Update for TRANSMISSIONS Dance Festival - Important Information
TRANSMISSION Dance Festival is taking place in Hyde this weekend with some updates to the programme due to the temporary closure of Hyde Town Hall.
The Friday and Saturday evening programme of the two-day festival, which was due to take place in Hyde Town Hall, has unfortunately had to be cancelled as the building is currently unavailable following a recent fire.
However, the Saturday day programme on 22 March will still go ahead with an array of outdoor activities and entertainment in Hyde Market Square.
Saturday’s day programme is packed with free performances, workshops, and celebrations running from 11am to 2:30pm, offering a full day of creativity and community fun.
Tameside Council Cultural Services Team and festival producer Sarah Hardacre have worked hard to provide an exciting programme for residents.
Saturday’s programme will bring together the full spectrum of Tameside’s dance heritage - from Morris dancing and dazzling breakdancing to Ri Ri’s captivating Bollywood and Bhan-gra dance, and the rave culture that shaped so many memories. There is also a silent disco taking place.
Tameside Council Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity Cllr Stephen Homer said: “While it’s extremely unfortunate we have had to cancel one day of the festival due to the town hall being unavailable following the fire, this is still going to a fantastic event for the local community, with the Saturday programme bringing lots of exciting and creative opportunities for everyone to get involved in while also supporting the town centre.
“We’re sorry for all the groups and organisations involved in the programme, as we know how much work went into the planning, and we want to acknowledge the effort and contributions given. But please everyone do still come down and enjoy the day on Saturday!”
Sarah Hardacre, TRANSMISSION Executive Producer, said: “While it’s very disappointing that some TRANSMISSION events can no longer go ahead due to circumstances beyond our control, I’m incredibly proud of the artists, partners and community members who have contributed their time, energy and trust to help shape the project over the past year. The relationships built through this work will last well beyond this weekend, and I’m pleased that our free daytime programme will still bring dance, performance, participation and community activity to Hyde Market Square on Saturday."
TRANMISSION brings Tameside’s rich dance story to life, from the borough’s proud Morris traditions to its eras of ballroom elegance, Rock and Roll energy and full‑throttle rave culture through community engagement, live Morris and participatory moments.
Taking place Saturday 21 March 2026, this honours the past while inviting communities to help shape what dance means to Tameside today, forming a vibrant new celebration of the borough’s dance heritage produced in partnership by Tameside‑based artist and culture producer Sarah Hardacre and TMBC Cultural Services. Commissioned by Greater Manchester Arts and TMBC, Transmission is supported by GMCA Spirit and part‑funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
All events and activites are free, some require booking.
Saturday 21 March 2026 - Day
TRANSMISSION: LIVE FROM HYDE
Parade & Performances:
• Lucy Wright who brings her Rushcart to Hyde to head out the parade, joined by the Allegiant Arts Youth Dance Company who have choreographed a dance especially for this performance.
• A high-energy school dance showcase with folk musician Sarah Davenport and performers
• Hyde’s very own Mystique Morris Dancers bring their sparkle and pompoms!
• Hyde School of dance hit the street with a contemporary workshop for all.
• Traditional folk dancers from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain celebrating local and national heritage
• Bold Bollywood dance performance and workshop with Ri Ri’s Dance Academy
• Youth community dance troupe- Allegiant Arts
• Cultural fusion dance ensemble mixing B-boy street moves and morris rants.
• Grand finale mass participation routine with Milltown Cloggies, Manchester Morris Men, Rivington Morris and The Rumworth Morris.
Parade 11am
Dance Performances 11:30am - 2:30pm
Where Hyde, Market Square
SILENT ADVENTURES
Roaming Silent Disco Experience.
Time Walking Silent Disco 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.
Where Hyde, Market Square
Booking Link 12pm https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tameside-mbc/t-mjjenlm
Booking Link 1pm https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tameside-mbc/t-rzzqlkq
Booking Link 2pm https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tameside-mbc/t-xddammv
TRANSMISSION STREET COLLECTIVE
Performance & Workshop
Time 12 noon
Where Hyde, Market Square
RI RI's DANCE COLLECTIVE
Performance & Workshop
Time 1pm
Where Hyde, Market Square
Culture Services
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