Dare to Know Theatre returns with the second Dare to Create Festival, bringing together artists, communities and audiences for five days of music, dance, poetry, visual arts and creative workshops across Oldham.
Taking place from August 5-9, the festival will transform venues across the town including; The Lyceum Theatre, Oldham Theatre Workshop Studio, 1853 Studio’s Mill One and Mill Two, creating a programme that celebrates local talent while welcoming nationally recognised artists and practitioners.
At the heart of the festival’s ethos is a commitment to creating opportunities for local people at a time when opportunities for local artists and communities remain limited.
Through performances, creative workshops, artist development and free public events, the company is creating opportunities for professional artists, emerging creatives and community groups to make and experience new work together.
Festival Director Miranda Parker states: "Oldham doesn't lack and never has lacked talent. It lacks opportunities. We’ve always recognised this and are proud to be able to offer those opportunities for artists from Oldham to have the platform that they deserve.
“Dare to Create is proof that ambitious, community-led theatre can happen today, with local artists, local people and local audiences.”
The festival features a vibrant programme of performances, workshops and community events, including brand new work from Dare to Know Theatre, with their brand new play.
“Everything That Should’ve Been’ boasting an impressing four performance run, alongside a multitude of new writing premieres, with an impressive lineup of live music, dance, spoken word, visual arts, photography and ‘give it a go’ creative workshops.
The programme also welcomes acclaimed theatre practitioners including Cathy Crabb, leading a creative writing and storytelling workshop inspired by Oldham's voices, and Brendon Burns, who will facilitate a unique Theatre for Democracy workshop exploring community identity, lived experience and the future people want to see for their town.
The highlight of Dare to Create: Oldham Arts Festival 2026 is the free public community day on the opening day of the festival. With the support of Oldham Positive Action Network, a dynamic group of residents, volunteers and professionals working together to co-produce transformation in our systems and services in Oldham. Dare to Know Theatre have been given the opportunity to host a full opening day’s worth of events
completely free of charge offering members of the local community the opportunity to
experience arts and creativity without any financial barriers.
An impressive day awaits, across the day, visitors can take part in workshops, performances, exhibitions, conversations and interactive activities celebrating the people, stories and cultures that make Oldham unique.
The festival will also celebrate the incredible women, in partnership with In Parallel Productions, with a day ‘She who Dares’, showcasing the work, voices and creativity of women through performances, discussions and artistic events that recognise their contribution to Oldham's cultural life.
Miranda Parker Added: "Oldham already has an independent producing theatre company. It's rooted in the community, it develops local artists, it tells local stories and, despite limited resources, it's inviting the whole town to take part. That's what this festival is about.
“We believe culture belongs to everyone, and we're proud to be creating opportunities that are accessible, ambitious and made right here in Oldham.”
Tickets & information: www.daretoknowtheatre.com
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