Enjoy the relaxing vibrations of a gong bath, get up close and personal with a puppet as tall as a giraffe and find your balance at a stilt walking workshop when free, seasonal celebration Spring Up! returns to The Vale
Hands-on family friendly activities at the arts centre in Mossley, Tameside, run from 10am, then from 1pm, grab a drink from the bar, pull up a pew, and stay to enjoy an afternoon of live music. Special guest artists include the highly acclaimed MIRO (Manchester International Roots Orchestra) and Purple Collective.
Begin the day at 10am with a calming and therapeutic gong bath. Allow the vibrations to wash over you in this hour-long session. Suitable for ages 14+, bring a mat and blanket or pillow for maximum relaxation.
Then take a behind the scenes stroll through Global Grooves’ Studio 2 and meet some of their enchanting giant walkabout puppets, including Ukrainian Carnival Queen Sofiya, her Caribbean sister Kaya and Manny, a brand new African-Caribbean puppet. Between 10am-1pm you can learn about how they were made, how they’re puppeteered, and the individual stories they tell.
Early pre-booking via The Vale’s website is essential for the free stilt walking taster with experts with Full Stilt (11am and 11.30am). For safety reasons, participants should be at least 5 feet tall (around 1.5m) and 12 years+.
Outside, there’s a spring garden trail running 11.30-2pm, giving plenty of opportunity to explore The Vale’s beautiful community gardens as they burst with life. Craft stations along the way include simple take home projects including a willow bird house and a decorative wind spiral. Suitable for all ages, there will be certificates and a book prize for everyone who completes it.
Between 12-1pm, a spring themed family open mic invites budding orators to perform a song or poem on an outdoor pedal-powered stage. ‘Behind the scenes’ type people can contribute to the show by pedalling to keep the music, lights and good vibes flowing. There are bikes suitable for ages 6+, cycle helmets optional!
A lively taster session from 12-1pm invites children and adults to feel the rhythm of the Carnival with a beginners movement and drumming workshop. Little ones are welcome to tag along and may also enjoy unfurling their wings and becoming a butterfly in the garden with Cabasa Carnival Arts (12-2pm).
Whilst indoor crafts activities, running from 10-12pm, include making a mini puppet to take home.
Sunday Sessions is the Vale’s free monthly live music afternoon. For Spring Up!, a special extended version will run from 1-5pm, featuring Brazilian and Latin tunes from the house band and very special guest artists.
The Manchester International Roots Orchestra (MIRO) is a unique ensemble of musicians with roots from across the world including refugee musicians. With a repertoire skilfully combining diverse musical influences from haunting Eastern European melodies, to the delicate textures of Middle Eastern percussion and vocals, through to soulful Sufi chants of South Asia and joyful African gospel, you can enjoy their global sounds in an intimate environment from 4-4.30pm.
Other guest artists include Mossley Ukulele Group (2-2.30pm) and Purple Collective (3-3.30pm). The bar will remain open until 5.30pm, offering a selection of Millstone ales, wines, and a good variety of non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
Pop up catering options include Portuguese artisan pastries and biscuits from Mossley-based Maria Rita Patisserie with other snack food available 10-12.30pm and the bar open from 1pm.
Spring Up! is funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Find out more about Spring Up! Family Fun Day at The Vale
