Stalybridge Splash

Thousands flock to Stalybridge

Thousands of families flocked to Stalybridge Town Centre on Monday to enjoy the Borough’s annual Stalybridge Splash Street Festival. Visitors were treated to an unbeatable programme of live music, international street entertainment and free activities - all in Armentieres Square! The annual event was once again supported by local businesses and community groups and attracted visitors from across Tameside as well as from further a field.

A ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition took place at the event for the first time in Stalybridge Civic Hall. Local band Scythia won the competition, beating off stiff competition from six other local young bands. Scythia will now go on to represent Tameside in the Greater Manchester Youth Games Battle of the Bands in July. They will also get two studio days at MCC studios in Mottram and £50 per band member prize money!!! Tameside Radio’s Wayne Kay compered the ‘Battle of the Bands’ stage and announced the winning band at the end of the day.

The dance stage was a hotbed of local talent and included belly dancing, break dancing, cheerleading, Bollywood and capoeira. The stage was compered by young MC Jahangir aka. Young Twist. Jay performed recently at the Tameside Youth Arts Showcase and wowed audiences with his confident MC style and slick lyrics.

Pint-sized comic Alex Lees also performed at the event, fresh from his stint on ‘Britain’s got Talent’. The youngster from Chapel Street, Dukinfield was buzzed out initially by the judges after they decided he didn’t cut it as a mini Robbie Williams. But they were so impressed by his stage presence during auditions in Blackpool that they suggested he come back and have another shot as a stand-up comedian. Alex enjoyed his day of fame in Stalybridge and was delighted to close the dance stage at the end of the day.

On the streets, Balloonatic knotted together balloons to create weird and wonderful bendy objects, whilst Bread and Butter Theatre Company entertained crowds with their ‘Viva Las Wedding’ walkabout performance. ‘Beach Patrol’ were on hand to save any damsels in distress and Edmond Thal performed his absurd improvisational walkabout in Stalybridge for the first time.

The massive Free Activity Area gave members of the public a chance to get their hands dirty with clay modelling, tree decorating, junk instrument making, rod puppet making, face painting and henna hand painting. The high winds meant that a number of inflatable rides could not be put up at the event but this didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. A range of fun rides and stalls made up a fairground on Tescos carpark, spilling over in to Armentiers Square. There was also a traditional continental market which gave members of the public a chance to buy hand crafted goods and alternative food – with everything from black puddings to sugar roasted nuts!

Two Stalybridge heritage tours took place on the day, giving visitors the opportunity to take in some of Stalybridge’s most well known landmarks. The Music Corner on Melbourne Street also hosted its’ very own mini-fringe festival this year with entertainment and street performances throughout the day. Holy Trinity Church was open on the day and welcomed hundreds of visitors who stopped by to watch the lively music performances and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea! Various charities were fund raising at the event including WillowWood Hospice who held their annual charity duck race.

Events organisers hailed the event as a success and would like to thank members of the public who attended and contributed to the success of the day. Cllr Jackie Lane, Project Head of Heritage said ‘Despite the winds, the Town Centre was packed full of families enjoying the biggest ever Stalybridge Splash Street Festival. It was wonderful to see people of all ages enjoying the live music and street entertainment. We’re especially proud of all the local groups that performed at the event and we look forward to welcoming them back again next year’.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Arts and Events Team Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 4144