Towering Flags of Hope to Transform Mossley Market Ground

Mossley Market Ground will become a spectacular open air gallery as 100 hand painted silk flags take flight during the monthly farmers market today, Sunday.

Mossley Market Ground will become a spectacular open air gallery as 100 hand painted silk flags take flight during the monthly farmers market today.

Standing between three and six metres tall, the colourful artworks cover more than 540 square metres of fabric, the equivalent of half a kilometre if laid end to end, taller than Blackpool Tower. Each flag is unique, created by communities across Greater Manchester to share stories of resilience, pride, and hope.

The exhibition, which is the first of its kind, is presented by Global Grooves and Cabasa CIC, in collaboration with Mossley Town Council, with support from artists and volunteers across the region.

Leon Patel, CEO of Global Grooves, said:

“Flags carry power and meaning. In Flags of Hope, that power comes from people, from schoolchildren, care home residents, local artists, and volunteers who have all contributed their voices. These flags are not about division, they’re about welcome, pride, and creativity.”

Emily Wood, Artistic Director of Cabasa CIC, added:

“Every flag tells a story.  A memory, a poem, a hope for the future. When they stand together, they become something much bigger: a shared expression of resilience and belonging.”

The project is also a nod to Mossley’s industrial heritage. Once central to the textile trade, the town helped connect Manchester with communities around the world. Flags of Hope continues that legacy, using textiles to celebrate identity and collaboration in the 21st century.

When: Sunday 31st August, 9am – 5pm

Where: Mossley Market Ground (alongside the farmers market)

For more information, including how to volunteer or support the project visit:

🔗 the-vale.co.uk/volunteer-with-us

🔗 the-vale.co.uk/donations/make-a-one-off-donation