A gongoozler is “a person who enjoys watching activity on canals” and there will be lots to keep canal enthusiasts entertained between 9 and 11 September. Centred around the canal in Armentieres Square, Gongoozler Fest will see three days of vibrant events celebrating art, heritage and the local waterways of Stalybridge.

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On Friday 9 September 5-9pm the celebrations begin with Stalybridge Street Fest, the popular monthly food and drink event in Armentieres Square.

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Saturday 10 September sees the Gongoozala event 10am to 4pm in Armentieres Square with professional street performers, live music, free arts and crafts activities for families. The town will be welcoming barges along the canal and numerous community groups and organisations will be sharing their work and performing.

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The weekend will culminate in a spectacular finale on Sunday 11 September between 1-2pm with the Town of Culture Cotton Carnival. Mossley based arts organisation Global Grooves will recreate their magical, globally inspired procession, which featured this summer in the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant in London. Everyone is encouraged to get involved in the carnival  - Global Grooves are recruiting over 200 local people to perform as dancers, drummers, brass players and puppeteers. Individuals as well as families, schools and communities groups can sign up to take part - you can find out more information here.

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Gongoozler Fest is organised by Tameside Culture, part of Tameside Council working with The Bridge Cultural Consortium and other partners.