The Vale in Mossley turns five with a packed day of free fun

A Tameside arts centre is celebrating turning five with a packed day of free fun, from drumming to perfume-making, ceilidh-dancing and even a sound bath.

The Vale, in Mossley, says that everyone is welcome to come and discover something new on Saturday, 12th September 2026, from a mix of wellbeing, music, dance, craft and garden activities for all ages.

Family activities are running all day both indoors and out and include arts and crafts workshops and storytelling. For fans of the great outdoors, a garden session offers the chance to pick and blend fragrant plants to create your very own natural perfume to take home.

A Carnival ceilidh with Born and Bred dance theatre will introduce a selection of traditional English dances including the Caerphilly March and the Witches Reel, leading to an opportunity to experience them with Carnival music. 

This is followed by a total beginners drumming workshop, where you are invited to "dive into an uplifting hour of beats, movement, and collective joy".

And a meet the maker event will see Carnival puppet‑builder Mel Roberts introduce one of her large-scale creations and share behind the scenes stories from her workshop.

If you're feeling thirsty after all that fun, roll up your sleeves and join a wholesome, hands‑on juicing session with a traditional apple press. Bring your own apples, a container, and some muscle power, and you’ll head home with the freshest, tastiest juice you’ve ever tried.

If you prefer your Saturday morning to be child-free, adult only sessions include mindful breathwork with Padma. Through the Buddhist grounding technique of Anapanasati, you’ll be guided into a state of deep relaxation and clarity. This free session is ideal for anyone aged 14+ who is looking to reset, recharge, or simply breathe a little more fully.

A morning sound bath will see gongs played gently along with Himalayan bowls, frame drum, hand pan, koshi and other percussion instruments, to induce a deep, restorative relaxation. The experience starts at 10am and over 18s are welcome. 

Other activities for older teens and adults include drop-in taster sessions with Mossley Writers and Knights of The Vale, who are tabletop gamers and model makers.

A pop up cafe will be serving up locally baked goods throughout the day alongside brews and snacks. 

In the evening, a brass-heavy Italian party band, who draw inspiration from the rich musical tradition of New Orleans, will take to the stage. The high-energy Bologna Bridge Band evoke the unique atmosphere of street parades and celebrations. DJ Matt Catt will keep the party going until midnight. Tickets can be purchased for this event.

Launched on a shoestring 14 years ago, The Vale received a £1m upgrade and relaunch in 2021, when the Northern Carnival Centre of Excellence opened within its walls. Popular acts Mr Wilson's Second Liners and Honeyfeet played at the centre's reopening event. 

Holly Prest, artistic director, The Vale, said: "It’s hard to believe that The Vale is already five! What started as a labour of love has grown into a really special place where people can come together, try something new and experience all kinds of creativity right on their doorstep.

“We wanted our fifth birthday to reflect everything that makes The Vale what it is, so there’s a real mix of music, dance, making, wellbeing and Carnival culture, with something for all ages and absolutely no pressure to know what you’re doing before you arrive! All of the programme is free, apart from the evening gig, so we hope people will come along, have a go at something they’ve never tried before and celebrate with us.

“And, of course, we couldn’t have a birthday without a party. We’re really looking forward to rounding off the day with the brilliant Bologna Bridge Band and keeping things going late into the night. Five years feels like a real milestone, but we’re even more excited about what comes next.”

The full fifth birthday programme for September 12th, 2026 is available on The Vale's website.

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