Transmission Dance Festival to go ahead in Hyde

The TRANSMISSION Dance Festival will still bring a vibrant celebration of movement and community to Hyde this weekend, despite last-minute changes the temporary closure of Hyde Town Hall.

Organisers have confirmed that the festival’s Friday and Saturday evening programme, originally scheduled to take place inside the town hall, has been cancelled after the building was made unavailable following a recent fire.

However, the spirit of the festival remains very much alive, with a packed daytime programme set to go ahead on Saturday, March 22, in Hyde Market Square.

Running from 11am to 2:30pm, Saturday’s free programme promises a lively mix of performances, workshops and interactive activities designed to engage residents of all ages. The event will showcase the rich diversity of dance styles across Tameside, from traditional Morris dancing to high-energy breakdancing. Audiences can also look forward to performances from Ri Ri, bringing Bollywood and Bhangra influences to the stage, alongside a celebration of rave culture that has shaped generations. A silent disco will add to the day’s entertainment.

Tameside Council’s Cultural Services Team, alongside festival producer Sarah Hardacre, have worked to ensure the event can still go ahead in a revised format, offering a welcoming and creative space in the heart of Hyde.

Councillor Stephen Homer, Tameside Council Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity, acknowledged the disappointment caused by the cancellations but emphasised the importance of the remaining programme.

“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 be a fantastic event for the local community,” he said. “The Saturday programme will bring 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, also praised the dedication of those involved in bringing the festival together.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Residents are encouraged to attend and support the event, which aims to celebrate creativity, community and the enduring power of dance.

For more information, visit the Tameside Council website.