“A celebration of the positive and creative side of humanity and the brilliance we are capable of!” Audience Member
We brought The Den Festival to Stalybridge Civic Hall for 4 weekends across May 2025. Celebrating local creativity and community each day was jam-packed with theatre, workshops, and community made art.
“Inspirational. Innovative. Joyous.” Audience Member
“Brings the community together!” Audience Member
The Royal Exchange would like to thank the 35 local Ambassadors & Champions who volunteered their time to programme and deliver The Den Festival alongside the Theatre’s team.
A programme of art and creativity
14 shows
15 workshops
8 family mornings
14 other activities
89 hours of public activity
31 local partners and artists
Made by and for the local community
23 people accessed training opportunities
112 non-professional performers took to the stage
377 young people created work for the festival
2,208 people joined us for workshops and shows
2,500 people visited the festival
The Den Festival in Stalybridge is a Local Exchange project, made possible by our partners at Tameside Council and thanks to support of GMCA, Arts Council England and the Oglesby Charitable Trust.
“It fosters empathy and makes you see things through other people’s eyes.” Audience Member
“It was special to watch children’s words and imagination come to life and to see them feel proud of themselves.” Audience Member
“A special moment? I watched my daughter perform in front of a crowd for the first time.” Audience Member
Watch our round-up film to enjoy a snapshot of the festival.