Call for volunteers to help make Stalybridge Carnival’s 50th anniversary parade the biggest yet

Tameside residents are being invited to help create what organisers hope will be the region’s largest and most colourful carnival parade.

The team behind Stalybridge Carnival is calling on the community to get involved as the much-loved event celebrates its golden anniversary this summer. At least 150 volunteers of all ages are needed to help make this year’s procession, marking 50 years of carnival in the town, the biggest and best yet.

Local people can sign up to play a variety of roles in the parade, including drummers, dancers, brass and reed musicians and even puppeteers. For those who would prefer to help behind the scenes, organisers are also looking for volunteers to join the carnival crew.

No previous experience is required for most roles, as full training will be provided by parade partners Global Grooves, thanks to support from Historic England through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.

Based at The Vale arts centre in Mossley, carnival arts organisation Global Grooves brings international experience to the celebrations. The organisation has previously delivered major carnival projects including the parade for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London, as well as appearances at Bluedot Festival and Kendal Calling. Their work has also taken them to projects in Barcelona, The Gambia and Croatia.

Training and creative sessions for volunteers will begin in mid-March at Stalybridge Civic Hall. Led by professional carnival artists, the free sessions will give participants the chance to learn new skills, meet new people and take part in what organisers describe as a “once in a generation celebration”.

Through monthly band and dance rehearsals, puppet training weekends and dedicated crew workshops, volunteers will help create and deliver a brand-new “volunteer-powered” parade piece celebrating half a century of carnival heritage.

Organisers say those who catch the carnival spirit will also have opportunities to stay involved beyond the June event by helping with other activities throughout the year.

Schools, youth groups and community organisations are also being encouraged to take part. Global Grooves can offer guidance on upgrading costumes and incorporating giant puppets and handmade flags into existing parade entries.

Ian Cochrane, of the Stalybridge Festival Committee, said: “Stalybridge Carnival has always belonged to the people of this town. For 50 years it has brought us together in celebration and community spirit.

“We want this anniversary year to be the best ever – bigger, better and filled with local people stepping forward to take part. Volunteering is how this carnival has survived and thrived, and we would love to see new faces joining us to carry it into the next 50 years.”

Leon Patel, CEO of Global Grooves, added: “For five decades, Stalybridge Carnival has been powered by volunteers. From costume makers to parade marshals, musicians to organisers, it has always been a community effort.

“This year, volunteering is not just part of the event – it is central to it. Carnival is about collective creativity. It is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things together in public space.

“We are proud to work with Stalybridge to mark this milestone year and to open up meaningful volunteering opportunities that combine heritage, creativity and community.

“You do not need experience. You just need the willingness to show up, learn and be part of something joyful.”

The anniversary parade will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with rehearsals and training sessions running from March until a full rehearsal on Saturday, June 27.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities and training dates, visit globalgrooves.org/learn/stalybridge-carnival-50 or email hello@globalgrooves.org.