A day of celebration as The Vale turns four

Mossley’s vibrant arts hub The Vale is throwing open its doors for a full day of free activities on Saturday 11 October 2025 to celebrate its fourth birthday – and everyone’s invited.

From sunrise yoga to midnight dancing, the day promises something for all ages, reflecting The Vale’s reputation as a creative cornerstone for the community.

The celebrations kick off bright and early with Flow & Glow Yoga (9–10am, ages 14+), a gentle session suitable for beginners that blends stretches, meditation and breathwork to set a calm tone for the day ahead.

For budding writers, Mossley Writers will host a workshop from 11–12pm, sharing tips to spark creativity and guide participants in starting their own stories.

Families can dive into arts and crafts or head outdoors to enjoy Our Space garden activities, both running from 10–12.30pm. Meanwhile, throughout the day visitors can drop into a range of free sessions, including the Ride Out Loud story trail (ages 6+), a crafting workshop just for adults, and a taster session with the Knights of the Vale games masters.

A trio of pre-bookable workshops, all still free of charge, will give participants the chance to learn new skills. These include a Music & Movement Carnival routine with dance artist Olivia Peers of Born & Bread Dance Theatre (10.30–11.30am, all ages), a chance to try Stilt Walking (ages 12+) with short taster sessions at 12pm and 12.45pm, and a lively Drum and Dance workshop with Juba do Leão (2–3.30pm, ages 14+), where drummers and dancers come together for a joyous Brazilian jam.

To keep everyone fuelled, a pop-up café will serve teas, coffees and sweet treats all day, while local favourite Pizza Love will be on hand with pizzas, burgers, salads and fries.

As evening falls, the party steps up a gear with a ticketed late-night takeover. From 7.30pm, Mossley’s very own Juba do Leão – themselves celebrating their 20th anniversary this year – will bring the irresistible rhythms of north-eastern Brazil to the stage, promising to get everyone moving. Tickets are £12.50, with a limited number of “donate what you can” tickets available.

Keeping the dance floor alive until midnight, the One Tree Island DJs will deliver their trademark “Beats without borders” – global, bass-heavy grooves guaranteed to keep the energy high.

Reflecting on the milestone, Amelia Bayliss, The Vale’s general manager, said: “We have a real treat for you celebrating our fourth birthday alongside Vale regulars from Knights of The Vale to Mossley Writers.

“The programme from day to night reflects The Vale’s inclusive community ethos and we’re thrilled to party into the night with our Juba do Leão pals.”

The Vale has come a long way since its modest launch 13 years ago. In 2021 it underwent a £1 million transformation, becoming home to the Northern Carnival Centre of Excellence and reopening with headline performances from Mr Wilson’s Second Liners and Honeyfeet.

Four years on, the centre continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and community spirit.

The Vale is located at Unit 2 Vale Mill, Micklehurst Road, Mossley, Tameside OL5 9JL.

Tickets for the evening event can be booked at the-vale.co.uk or by calling 01457 238 089.

Music and movement workshop for all ages.