Tameside locals are invited to join what is hoped to be the region’s largest and most colourful carnival parade ever.
Organisers of Stalybridge Carnival are calling on the town to make this year’s golden anniversary procession the biggest and best yet. At least 150 volunteers of all ages are needed to ensure the annual summertime event, which is celebrating 50 years this June, does the town proud.
Local people of all ages can sign up to play their part in the celebration as drummers, dancers, brass and reed players and even as puppeteers. For those who prefer a ‘behind the scenes’ role, a number of volunteer positions are available as carnival crew.
Most roles require no previous experience, as all training will be provided by parade partners Global Grooves, thanks to support from Historic England, through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.
Based in Mossley at The Vale arts centre, carnival arts organisation Global Grooves bring a world class pedigree to the event. Previous projects include a carnival parade for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London, Bluedot Festival and Kendal Calling, as well as international projects in Barcelona, The Gambia and Croatia.
Training and creative sessions for volunteers, led by professional carnival artists, begin in the middle of March at Stalybridge Civic Hall. There will be free opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people and take part in a “once in a generation celebration”.
Through monthly band and dance sessions, puppet training weekends and dedicated crew workshops, Global Grooves said that volunteers will help shape and deliver a brand new “volunteer-powered” parading piece, marking 50 years of carnival heritage.
Organisers added that volunteers who “catch the carnival spirit” will have opportunities to stay involved beyond the June parade, getting involved with other events throughout the year.
Global Grooves are also inviting school, youth and community groups to come forward and get involved en masse. Support and guidance can be given on upgrading costumes and integrating giant puppets and handmade flags into existing parade pieces.
Ian Cochrane, 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, Global Grooves said: “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 28 June 2026, with rehearsals and training sessions running from March until a full rehearsal on Saturday 27 June 2026.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities, training dates and how to get involved, visithttps://www.globalgrooves.org/learn/stalybridge-carnival-50/ or contact [email protected].
