Spring Up!

Celebrate spring with a fantastic day out for all ages as Spring Up! returns to The Vale in Mossley, Tameside on 11 May. This free family-friendly event is brimming with hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and live performances that encourage the whole family to connect and get creative. 

The day begins at 10am with a gong bath, offering a calming start for ages 14 and up. Bring a mat, pillow, or blanket and let the therapeutic vibrations ease you into the day. Meanwhile, younger visitors can get creative with a mini puppet-making session inside the arts centre, or explore behind the scenes at Global Grooves’ Studio. There, families can meet some spectacular giant puppets, like Ukrainian Carnival Queen Sofiya, her Caribbean sister Kaya, and the newly introduced Mann, and learn how they were made and brought to life.

For the brave ones, The Vale will host free stilt walking taster sessions at 11am and 11.30am. For ages 12 and over and at least 5ft tall, these sessions must be booked in advance via The Vale’s website. Outdoors, families can follow a spring garden trail As you wander through the gardens, discover arts and crafts stations where children can make a willow birdhouse or a colourful wind spiral to take home. Everyone who completes the trail will receive a certificate and be entered into a book prize draw.

Around midday, the outdoor pedal-powered stage will host a spring-themed family open mic. Performers can share songs or poems, while behind-the-scenes helpers can jump on the bikes to generate the energy that powers the show. At the same time, a Carnival drumming and movement workshop invites both kids and adults to feel the rhythm and move together. For little ones, the nearby garden transforms into a butterfly haven, with Cabasa Carnival Arts leading gentle, imaginative play.

As the day continues, families are invited to relax and soak up the atmosphere during The Vale’s monthly Sunday Sessions, extended especially for Spring Up! This afternoon of live music includes performances from the Mossley Ukulele Group, Purple Collective, and the internationally acclaimed Manchester International Roots Orchestra (MIRO), performing global sounds, like Eastern European melodies and Middle Eastern percussion, South Asian chants and African gospel. 

Throughout the day, the bar will be open serving Millstone ales, wines, and a selection of hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks. From 10am to 12.30pm, Portuguese artisan pastries and biscuits from Mossley’s Maria Rita Patisserie will also be available to enjoy.

Spring Up! is made possible with support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and promises a fun, creative, and completely free day out for families looking to celebrate the season. Activities begin at 10am and continue through to 5pm, with something special for everyone,

To take part in stilt walking or the gong bath, head to The Vale’s website and book your free place in advance.