Carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves has led the charge to create some new flags for Ashton Under Lyne - and the designs will be unveiled for the first time at the October Fridays on the Square event.

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Global Grooves consulted with townsfolk at the September event, where people shared their stories, memories and experiences of Ashton in a relaxed setting.  From there, Global Grooves worked with local people on some consultation and writing sessions that offered a moment for reflection and reconnection, so the artists could turn the moments, memories and more into the creatives for the flags. The artist interpretations have then been painted on to silk by volunteers and are ready to be displayed at the coming event.

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Global Grooves is a carnival and outdoor arts organisation based in Mossley with over 20+ years experience in creating outdoor spectacles in consultation with communities. Be it the Mossley light Festival, or the recent Cotton Carnival that hit the streets of Stalybridge last month, Global Grooves shares the joy from the process of developing pieces with audiences both locally and further afield.  

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For the flags project, Global Grooves partnered with Cabasa CIC - another local carnival arts organisation which brings people together to create big, bold, and beautiful outdoor events. The two arts collectives have worked together on the consultation, design, and creation of the flags.

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The final flag designs include market scenes, music, mills, canals and more - and all of them represent the strong sense of community in the town of Ashton.

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Global Grooves will soon be calling out for local volunteers to join a brand-new event team to support the rigging and displaying of the flags. Volunteers will learn about basic event support skills and H&S before they put their skills into practice on event day. Get in touch to express interest at hello@globalgrooves.org

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Ten flags have been created as part of the project, and they will be installed in Ashton at October’s Fridays on the Square event, which will take place on Friday 6th October, 4pm - 8pm in Fletcher Square.

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