Weekend One

Saturday 10 May, 10am – 9pm

Sunday 11 May, 10am – 7:30pm

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Weekend Two: 17–18 May

Saturday 17 May, 10am – 9pm

• 🥁 Grooves in the Den – Drumming Workshop (12–2pm, Age 11+)
      ➤ Try Afro-Brazilian rhythms with Global Grooves! No experience needed—just bring your energy.
• 🎭 No Such Thing as Ordinary – Theatre (2–3pm & 7–8pm)
      ➤ Real stories from Tameside residents brought     to life on stage.
• 🎨 Creatives in the Den – Talks & Workshops (1–7pm)
      ➤ Drop in for creative advice, skill-building sessions, and inspiration.
• 🤝 Artist Mixer – Network with creatives (6–7pm)
      ➤ Meet fellow artists, share ideas, and spark collaborations.
• 🎶 Bridge Fest in the Den – Live Local Music (7–9pm)
      ➤ A showcase of Tameside’s musical talent—don’t miss it!

Sunday 18 May, 10am – 9pm

• 🎭 Armchair Adventures: A Shakespeare Adventure
      ➤ Interactive storytelling with drama games for all ages.
• ✍️ Fresh Voices – New writing from Guide Bridge Theatre
      ➤ Discover bold new plays from emerging local writers.
• 🥁 Performance Workshop (3–5pm, Age 11+)
      ➤ Learn to perform with Global Grooves in a high-energy Carnival-style session.
• 🎭 Elders Company Workshop (4–5:30pm, Age 60+)
      ➤ A welcoming intro to theatre for older adults—no experience needed.

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Weekend Three: 24–25 May

Saturday 24 May, 10am – 8pm

• 🥁 Grooves in the Den – Drumming Workshops (12–2pm & 3–5pm, Age 11+)
      ➤ Learn Afro-Brazilian Carnival beats and prepare to perform on the final festival day!
• 🎺 Instrument Petting Zoo (4–5pm)
      ➤ Try out trombones, violins, and more in this hands-on musical playground.
• 🎭 Best Mates, Top Bins & Venga Venga – Youth plays (2–3pm &     6–7pm)
      ➤ Four joyful short plays written by Tameside primary pupils and local writers.

Sunday 25 May,  10am – 10pm

• 🏗️ Den Building (10:30am–12:30pm)
      ➤ Build a giant den with artist Martha and make your own mini version to take home.
• 📚 Story Chest Adventures (10:30am–12:30pm, Age 5–11)
      ➤ Pick props and costumes to create your own story with Colin & Kathryn.
• 👗 Behind the Seams (2–3pm, Age 14+)
      ➤ Discover how stage costumes are made and design your own!
• 🎤 Exploring Shakespeare’s Text (4–5pm, Age 14+)
      ➤ Dive into Shakespeare’s language and bring iconic monologues to life.
• 🎬 Shakin’ up Shakespeare! (5–6pm)
      ➤ A fun mash-up of The Tempest, Macbeth, and Twelfth Night by local youth performers.
• 🎭 The  Taming of the “Shrew” (7:30–9:50pm, Age 14+)
      ➤ HER Productions’ bold, modern take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy.

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Weekend Four: 31 May – 1 June

Saturday 31 May, 10am – 9:30pm

• 🎭 Congrats! (1:30–2pm)
  ➤ A brand-new play created in just one week by young people from across Tameside, celebrating joy and achievement.

• 🎛️ Intro to Lighting & Sound (3:00–5:30pm)
  ➤ Ever wondered how theatre magic happens behind the scenes?
  • Lighting Workshop: 3–4pm
  • Sound Workshop: 4:30–5:30pm
    Learn the basics of technical theatre in these hands-on sessions.
• 😂 Comedy in the Den (7–9pm, Age 18+)
  ➤ A night of laughs headlined by Tameside’s own Nina Gilligan. Grab your mates and enjoy a brilliant comedy lineup!
  (Line-up subject to change)

Sunday 1 June, 10am – 8pm

• 🎵 Be Hear Now with The Bridgewater Hall (11:00am–12:30pm)
  ➤ A relaxed, inclusive music and movement workshop for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, plus their families. Led by Beth Bishop and inspired by Live Music Now’s professional ensembles.

• 🥁 Grooves in the Den: Final Performance (5–6pm)

➤ Experience the joyful Afro-Brazilian Carnival beats created throughout the festival by Global Grooves and the people of Tameside.

• 🎉 Celebrate in the Den (6pm–8pm, Drop-in)

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