THE HERDS: Puppet Building Workshops - HEYWOOD

Get involved in Rochdale's Town of Culture by taking part in a series of free workshops in Heywood creating life-sized puppet animals for THE HERDS for MIF25.

Curious about the magic behind the scenes? Handy with a glue gun? Secretly proud of your flatpack furniture skills?

We’re calling on amateur makers, DIY enthusiasts, tinkerers and crafters from Heywood to help bring THE HERDS to life. In the lead up to the MIF25 opening event, a new group of life-sized puppet animals will be handmade by a dedicated crew of local makers… and you could be one of them.

Led by a master puppet-maker, you’ll learn the intricate craft of building large-scale puppets, meet new people, have fun and contribute directly to a bold, city-wide performance that fuses climate storytelling and public art.

Come and help us build Heywood's herd and be part of something big together.

These workshops are organised by the Rochdale Development Agency as part of the Rochdale Town of Culture in partnership with MIF25.

Important Information

• The workshop is free to attend but places are limited so if you can no longer attend please cancel your place as soon as possible, either via Eventbrite or contacting Annika at a.edge@investinrochdale.co.uk
• Sessions will run from the venue (TOPS) The Old Police Station, Hind Hill Street, Heywood OL10 1AQ
• When booking your free place you can choose to attend either :
  - Wednesday 4th June, 10am until 12pm
  - Monday 9th June, 2pm until 4pm
• Open to ages 16+ years old
• We are asking for people's postcodes when they book on as we want to prioritise places for current residents of Heywood.
• All materials are provided
• Workshops involve a lot of glue and paint so wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy!
• No experience necessary – just enthusiasm, a steady pair of hands, and a love for making things come to life.

If you have any questions about the workshops, please get in touch with Annika Edge at a.edge@investinrochdale.co.uk

The workshops are funded through Arts Council England, and supported by Rochdale Development Agency, Rochdale Borough Council and The Old Police Station, Heywood.