BIG PROJECTS

Big Projects & Performances at The Vale

At The Vale, big things happen — and young people are at the heart of it. From carnival parades to huge outdoor shows, we create opportunities for young people to perform, crew, and create on some of the biggest stages in the UK and beyond.

You don’t have to start with international tours or headline gigs. The first step is simple: come along to a session, get involved, and see where your journey takes you. Every performer, crew member, and youth leader began by just giving something a go.

✨ What young people have achieved with us

Young people from The Vale have performed in front of thousands as part of Shed Seven’s UK tour, and over 200 of them proudly represented Greater Manchester at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant as musicians, dancers, costume makers, crew and performers. Some of our young dancers have even found themselves sharing the stage with Will Smith, performing live in a special rendition of Men in Black.

Opportunities reach far beyond the UK too. Young leaders have travelled internationally — from Brazil and The Gambia to Nigeria, Qatar, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and across Europe — taking part in exchanges, study programmes and touring with the Global Grooves bloco. Closer to home, many have shadowed professional artists at The Vale, helping to design costumes, build giant puppets, and create the shows that later tour worldwide.

Every year, we develop two to three large-scale projects that young people can get involved in — as performers, designers, makers, or crew. Alongside these, there are plenty of smaller events and opportunities across the UK, giving everyone the chance to build experience, try new things and be part of something amazing.

✨ Behind the scenes at The Vale
Many internationally touring productions are created right here in Mossley. Young people can get hands-on by shadowing artists, learning new skills, and developing their craft — from choreography and costume-making to music and production.

“I never thought I’d get the chance to perform on a stage like that. Being part of the bloco has changed how I see myself — I feel like anything is possible now.”
— Young performer at The Vale

Big projects aren’t just about the spotlight. They’re about teamwork, pride, and real development — opportunities that begin with open-access sessions and grow into unforgettable experiences.

👉 The first step is simple: come along to a session or opportunity, and see where it takes you.