Trafford Cultural Education Partnership (TCEP) is a dynamic network dedicated to expanding access to high-quality arts and cultural experiences for children and young people across Trafford. Bringing together local schools, cultural organizations, artists, and community partners, TCEP champions creative opportunities that ignite imagination, support wellbeing, and celebrate the unique cultural identity of Trafford. Driven by a commitment to inclusion and collaboration, TCEP develops and delivers place-based cultural education strategies, breaks down barriers to engagement, and ensures equal opportunities for all to grow, create, and thrive through arts and culture.
Based in Trafford
Drama & Performing Arts
Stretford Children’s Theatre
Summary: Weekly drama groups (Infants/Juniors/Seniors/Youth) plus outreach in Trafford schools and libraries.
Ages: ~5–18
Activities: In-school workshops, after-school drama, holiday projects, performances
Contact: stretfordchildrenstheatre@gmail.com · 07718 287131 · Website: stretfordchildrenstheatre.org.uk · FB: /SCTStretford
Altrincham Garrick – GAPA
Summary: Saturday academy, LAMDA prep and school-holiday “Summer School” at the Garrick Playhouse.
Ages: 6–18
Activities: Term-time classes, LAMDA, holiday courses, performances
Contact: boxoffice@altrinchamgarrick.co.uk · 0161 928 1677 · Website: altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/gapa · FB: /GarrickAcademyofPerformingArts
Stagecoach Altrincham
Summary: Triple-threat performing arts (singing/acting/dance) with exam routes and holiday workshops.
Ages: 4–18
Activities: Weekly classes, theatre weeks/holiday workshops, exams
Contact: altrincham@stagecoach.co.uk · 07777 770604 · Website: stagecoach.co.uk/altrincham · IG: @stagecoachaltrincham
Little Voices (Altrincham / Central & South Manchester)
Summary: Small-group singing & drama (LAMDA) with Trafford venues (e.g., Hale Barns).
Ages: 4–18
Activities: Weekly lessons, LAMDA exam prep, holiday theatre weeks
Contact: csm@littlevoices.org.uk · 07857 942385 · Website: littlevoices.org.uk · IG: @littlevoicescsm · FB: /littlevoicescsm
Red Players Academy
Summary: Professional drama & acting training, intensives and showcases (Trafford-based classes).
Ages: 8–18
Activities: After-school classes, workshops, holiday programmes, showcases
Contact: info@redplayers.co.uk · 07441 396970 · Website: redplayersacademy.com · IG: @redplayersacademy
Waterside Arts – Theatre & Performance
Summary: Trafford’s main performing arts venue; professional touring theatre, dance and family shows, plus schools’ ticket offers and visiting company workshops.
Ages: Children & families, schools (primary–secondary), FE/HE
Activities: Theatre productions, Q&As, backstage tours, linked workshops (by arrangement)
Contact: hello@watersidearts.org · 0161 912 5616 · Website: watersidearts.org · Address: 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF · FB/IG: @watersidearts
Note: See also Multi-Arts & Cultural Learning for Waterside’s Galleries & Workshops.
Dance
Cadman’s Dance Centre
Ward/Area: Sale, Trafford
Summary: Long-running studio offering Ballroom & Latin, Street/Commercial, Tap, Salsa, FitSteps, Baby Ballet & more (children to adults).
Ages: 3+ and adults
Activities: Weekly classes, socials, private lessons, exams
Contact: 0161 973 6225 · Website: cadmansdancecentre.com · FB: /CadmansDance · IG: @cadmansdancecentre
Stalder Academy of Dance & Performing Arts
Ward/Area: Sale, Trafford
Summary: Ballet, Contemporary, Street/Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Drama, Gymnastics; classes for all levels and ages.
Ages: 3+ to adults
Activities: Weekly classes, exams, shows, holiday workshops
Contact: admissions@stalderacademy.com · 0161 962 8333 · Website: stalderacademy.com · FB: /stalderacademy · IG: @stalderacademy
Footsteps Dance School
Ward/Area: Sale, Trafford
Summary: Ballet, Tap, Freestyle, Acro & Musical Theatre; “Starlets” for 2–3s; classes at Sale High School.
Ages: ~2–16+
Activities: Weekly classes, shows, exam routes
Contact: footstepsdanceschool11@gmail.com · 07837 995343 · Website: dancefootsteps.com · FB: Footsteps Dance School
Angela’s Dance Club
Ward/Area: Urmston, Trafford
Summary: Ballroom/Latin, Disco/Street, Ballet; parent-and-child sessions from 6 months; 30+ years in the community.
Ages: 6 months–adult
Activities: Weekly classes, socials, showcases
Contact: angelasdance@hotmail.co.uk · 07714 218 831
Fitton Dance Company
Ward/Area: Urmston (Kingsway Park), Trafford
Summary: Youth-focused school covering Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, Street, Acro plus Singing/Drama.
Ages: 3–18 (by class)
Activities: Weekly classes, exams, performances
Contact: info@fittondancecompany.com · 07456 777228 · Website: fittondancecompany.com · FB: Fitton Dance Company · IG: @fitton.dance.company
Sherenades Dance Troupe
Ward/Area: Partington, Trafford
Summary: Community dance troupe for ages 3+; mixed genres; hobby and competition entries.
Ages: 3+
Activities: Weekly training, competitions, community events
Contact: pamelahamby145@hotmail.com · 07870 335736 · FB: Sherenades Dance Troupe
Topaz Dance
Ward/Area: Stretford, Trafford
Summary: Ballroom & Latin school for children and adults; social through to competitive pathways (IDTA).
Ages: 4+ and adults
Activities: Classes, private lessons, exams, socials/competitions
Contact: info@topazdance.co.uk · 0161 864 4093 · Website: topazdance.co.uk · FB: /topazdance · IG: @topaz_dance
Touchdown Dance
Ward/Area: Sale / Old Trafford, Trafford (Greater Manchester)
Summary: Inclusive dance company delivering integrated workshops/performances for visually impaired and sighted dancers.
Ages: All ages/abilities
Activities: School & community workshops, residencies, performances
Contact: info@touchdowndance.co.uk · 07932 038730 · Website: touchdowndance.co.uk · FB: Touchdown Dance
Lesley Taylor School of Dance
Ward/Area: Timperley / Altrincham, Trafford
Summary: Local school offering Ballet, Tap, Freestyle & Contemporary for children; shows and exams.
Ages: 2–18 (by class)
Activities: Weekly classes, shows, exams
Contact: lesleytaylor70@hotmail.com · 07702 808467 · Website: lesleytaylorschoolofdance.co.uk · FB: /lesleytaylorschoolofdance
Footlights Dance School (St John’s Centre)
Ward/Area: Old Trafford, Trafford
Summary: Jazz, Ballet, Street/Commercial & Musical Theatre classes with free trial options.
Ages: 6–16 (grouped)
Activities: Weekly classes, shows
Contact: oldtrafford@footlightstheatre.co.uk · 07389 838 910 · Website: footlightstheatre.co.uk · FB: Footlights Old Trafford
Grace Kennedy School of Irish Dance
Ward/Area: Altrincham & Sale (Brooklands), Trafford (also Northenden class)
Summary: CLRG-registered Irish dance school; beginners to advanced with exams, feiseanna and performances.
Ages: 3+
Activities: Weekly classes, exam prep, competitions, shows
Contact: info@gracekennedyschool.co.uk · 07500 556 959 · Website: gracekennedyschool.co.uk · FB: Grace Kennedy School of Irish Dance · IG: @gracekennedyschool
Dance Easy / A Class Dance (Inclusive Ballroom & Latin)
Ward/Area: Trafford (borough-wide sessions)
Summary: Chair-based or standing ballroom/Latin sessions with accessibility focus (led by Amy Whyatt).
Ages: All ages/abilities
Activities: Inclusive community classes and outreach
Contact: breathchamps@brightnessmanagement.org.uk · 07941 790670 · Website: breathchamps.com · FB: /BreathChamps · Twitter: @BreathChamps
Harmony Multicultural Dance & Music Association
Ward/Area: Bowdon/Altrincham, Trafford
Summary: Free weekly multicultural dance sessions; community-led and inclusive.
Ages: Children & families
Activities: Weekly community sessions, performances
Contact: kalpna4harmony@yahoo.co.uk · 07417 542398 · Website: N/A · FB: /harmonymulticulture
Music
Trafford Music Service (Music Hub)
Summary: In-school instrumental/vocal tuition across Trafford; after-school ensembles & music tech at The Claremont Centre (Sale).
Ages: 5–18 (plus CPD for staff)
Activities: In-school lessons, after-school ensembles/choirs, holiday courses, CPD
Contact: music.service@trafford.gov.uk · 0161 911 8659/8660 · Website: traffordmusicservice.co.uk · FB: /traffordmusicservice
The Music Place (Altrincham)
Summary: Tuition in most instruments & singing; ensembles, choirs, bands; performance and exam prep.
Ages: 4+ to adult
Activities: 1:1 & group lessons, choirs/ensembles, theory, online options
Contact: info@themusicplace.co.uk · 0161 928 3337 · 32–34 Railway St, WA14 2RE · Website: themusicplace.co.uk · IG/FB: @themusicplacealtrincham
Sale Youth Choirs (CIC)
Summary: Infant, Junior & Youth choirs with regular performances and school workshop offers.
Ages: 5–16 (tiered choirs)
Activities: Weekly rehearsals, school workshops, concerts
Contact: saleyouthchoirs@gmail.com · Website: saleyouthchoirs.co.uk · FB: /saleyouthchoirs · IG: @saleyouthchoirs
Little Belters (Altrincham & Sale)
Summary: Non-audition contemporary choirs for children; fun, friendly and performance-focused.
Ages: ~4–11 (Infant/Junior)
Activities: Weekly choir rehearsals, shows, community performances
Contact: hello@littlebelters.co.uk · 07740 464 507 · Website: littlebelters.co.uk · FB: /littlebelters
Aura Music Academy (Altrincham)
Summary: 1:1 & group tuition (instruments & voice), bands/ensembles; runs musical-theatre holiday clubs.
Ages: Children, teens & adults
Activities: Lessons, ensembles, recording, holiday clubs
Contact: info@auramusicacademy.com · 0161 941 1554 · 4 Lloyd St, WA14 2DE · Website: auramusicacademy.com
Altrincham Music School (Group Piano)
Summary: Group piano pathway from beginner to Grade 8+ near Altrincham Interchange.
Ages: 6+ to teens (adults too)
Activities: Group & 1:1 piano, performances, graded progression
Contact: admin@altrinchammusicschool.co.uk · 0161 929 0355 · Website: altrinchammusicschool.co.uk · Address: 4D Moss Lane, WA14 1BA
Altrincham Guitar School
Summary: Guitar tuition (1:1 & small groups) from beginner to advanced in Hale/Altrincham.
Ages: Children, teens & adults
Activities: After-school/evening/weekend lessons, graded options
Contact: admin@altrinchamguitarschool.co.uk · 07867 746647 · Website: altrinchamguitarschool.co.uk · FB: /AltrinchamGuitarSchool
Goodsoil Music School (Sale)
Summary: Piano, violin, flute, guitar/ukulele and singing with theory, performance opps & instrument hire.
Ages: All ages incl. children
Activities: 1:1 lessons, theory classes, concerts
Contact: admin@goodsoilmusicschool.com · 0161 302 1940 · Website: goodsoilmusicschool.com · FB: /goodsoilmusic
Writing & Literature
Shirley May / Young Identity
Summary: Trafford-based poet; Young Identity runs youth-led spoken word & poetry development across GM.
Ages: 13–25 (plus intergenerational/community projects)
Activities: In-school spoken-word workshops, after-school writing groups, slams/performances, residencies
Contact: enquiries@youngidentity.org · 07940 425107 · Website: youngidentity.org · IG/FB: @youngidentitymcr
Kids’ Creative Writing Club – Stretford Library
Summary: Free monthly creative writing club for children at Stretford Library.
Ages: 7–12
Activities: After-school/early-evening creative writing sessions
Contact: anneatnextsteps2@gmail.com · Website: Trafford Directory listing · Venue: Stretford Library, M32 8AP
Trafford Libraries – Chatterbooks (various branches)
Summary: Children’s reading groups hosted by Trafford Libraries with activities and author/illustrator themes.
Ages: ~7–11
Activities: Monthly reading clubs, themed activities
Contact: libraries@trafford.gov.uk · Website: trafford.gov.uk/libraries
Visual Arts, Crafts & Photography (incl. Pottery)
Parsley Pie Art Club (Hale/Altrincham)
Summary: Long-running children’s art studio with term-time classes, Saturday club, holiday camps and parties.
Ages: 4–18
Activities: After-school art clubs, holiday programmes, parties
Contact: jenny@parsleypie.com · 0161 904 9444 · Website: parsleypie.com
A4 Studios CIC / The Engine Shed Gallery (Altrincham)
Summary: Disability-positive artist studios & gallery hosting workshops/exhibitions; partners include Making Futures CIC & DT Crafts for textiles/print.
Ages: KS2–Post-16 & adults (varies by workshop)
Activities: In-venue workshops, exhibitions, potential in-school delivery (Arts Award/City & Guilds via partners)
Contact: info@a4studios.co.uk · 0161 718 6024 · Website: a4studios.org · FB: /A4Studios
Debbie Tomkies – DT Craft & Design
Summary: Textiles & mixed-media educator delivering school/community workshops and accredited routes.
Ages: 8+ to adult (by arrangement)
Activities: In-school & community workshops, Arts Award, City & Guilds programmes
Contact: info@dtcrafts.co.uk · 0161 718 3818 / 07727 654043 · Website: dtcrafts.co.uk · IG: @debbie_tomkies
Jive Prints (Sale)
Summary: Printmaking workshops for schools, events and festivals; public art and design projects.
Ages: Children, young people & families
Activities: In-school print workshops, community events, public art
Contact: Website: jiveprints.co.uk · IG: @jiveprints · (Use website/IG for enquiries)
Sale Photographic Society
Summary: Community photography club with practical workshops/talks; partner for KS4/KS5 enrichment & DofE skills.
Ages: Teens (with guardians) & adults; youth outreach by arrangement
Activities: Practical workshops, talks, competitions, field trips
Contact: secretary@salephoto.org.uk · Website: salephoto.org.uk · FB: /salephotosoc
Minikin Paint-a-Pot Art Café (Sale)
Summary: Family pottery-painting studio with clay workshops, baby prints & parties; inclusive sessions.
Ages: All ages (tots to teens + family)
Activities: In-venue pottery painting/clay, parties, school & group visits
Contact: minikinartcafe@outlook.com · 132A Northenden Rd, M33 3HE · Website: minikinsale.co.uk · IG/FB via website
Bean & Brush Art Café (Sale – Stanley Square)
Summary: Paint-a-pot café offering children’s parties, holiday activities and family sessions.
Ages: All ages/family
Activities: Pottery painting, holiday crafts, parties
Contact: 0161 973 2140 · Website: beanandbrush.co.uk · Address: 51–52 Stanley Square, M33 7XZ
Moss Pottery Studio (Altrincham)
Summary: Wheel & hand-building classes, family ceramics and paint-a-pot sessions.
Ages: Children & families
Activities: Family ceramics, kids’ workshops, parties
Contact: 07768 226094 · Website: moss-studio.com · FB: Moss Studio & Store
Lemon Studio (Dunham Massey)
Summary: Pottery studio at The Hive, Red House Farm; school/group sessions (DBS), wheel tasters, classes & parties.
Ages: Children/young people & adults
Activities: In-studio classes, schools outreach, parties, GCSE support
Contact: jenijacques@btinternet.com · 07813 333235 · Website: lemonstudio.co.uk · Address: Red House Farm, WA14 5RL
Sew Creative (Altrincham)
Summary: Kids’ weekly sewing (6–11), teen classes & holiday clubs; machine and hand-sewing skills.
Ages: 6–17 (by class)
Activities: After-school sewing club, Saturday/holiday workshops, parties
Contact: info@sewcreativestudios.net · 07305 306506 · Website: sewcreativestudios.net · Address: 39 Stamford New Rd, WA14 1EB
Textiles, Sewing & Knitting (Trafford-based)
Hack Sew (Urmston)
Summary: Sewing & upcycling classes/courses; can tailor workshops for schools and community groups.
Ages: Teens & adults (school workshops by arrangement)
Activities: Upcycling/fashion skills, short courses, community workshops
Ward: Urmston
Contact: hacksewuk@gmail.com · 07746 254907 · Address: 10 Crofts Bank Rd, M41 0TS · FB/IG: N/A
Renew Hub (Trafford Park) – Upholstery/Sewing Workshops
Summary: Practical upholstery & sewing skills days hosted at Renew Hub in Trafford Park (partner-led delivery). School tours available via R4GM.
Ages: Secondary+ / FE & community (by arrangement)
Activities: Upholstery sewing skills days, techniques workshops, tours
Ward: Gorse Hill & Cornbrook (Trafford Park)
Contact: Email: renewmarket.uk@suez.com · Website: recycleforgreatermanchester.com/renew-hub · Phone: 0161 778 7109
DT Craft & Design / Making Futures CIC (Sale) – knitting, crochet & textiles workshops; City & Guilds options (see listing above for full details).
Sew Creative (Altrincham) – kids/teens sewing, holiday clubs & teen fashion (see listing above for full details).
Community clubs to signpost (non-instructional): Knitting & crochet groups at Altrincham, Urmston & Stretford Libraries.
Life Drawing (Trafford-based)
Stretford Public Hall – Life Drawing
Summary: Regular life-drawing sessions in the ballroom with guidance and materials provided.
Ages: 16+ (KS4/KS5/FE & adults)
Activities: Guided life drawing, portfolio enrichment
Contact: Website for dates/booking · Venue: Stretford Public Hall, M32 0LG
OT Creative Space – Life Drawing
Summary: Recurring studio life-drawing; OT also offers youth workshops and community arts.
Ages: 16+ (KS4/KS5/FE & adults)
Activities: Life drawing sessions, portfolio support
Contact: Website: otcreativespace.co.uk (What's On) · Venue: 27 Ayres Rd, Old Trafford, M16 7AY
Moss Studio & Store (Altrincham) – Life Drawing
Summary: Fortnightly 2-hour class; eclectic models; relaxed and guided; materials provided.
Ages: 16+ (KS4/KS5/FE & adults)
Activities: Life drawing sessions, portfolio enrichment
Contact: Website: moss-studio.com/life-drawing · Venue: 27 Stamford New Rd, WA14 1EB
Multi-Arts & Cultural Learning
Gorse Hill Studios (Stretford)
Summary: Youth arts charity delivering music, drama, visual & digital arts; strong inclusion and SEND experience; Arts Award centre.
Ages: 8–25
Activities: After-school programmes, in-school/outreach projects, Arts Award, showcases
Contact: hello@gorsehillstudios.co.uk · 0161 866 8356 · Website: gorsehillstudios.co.uk · IG: @gorsehillstudioscc
OT Creative Space (Old Trafford)
Summary: Shared studios & community arts hub hosting regular workshops and partnerships with libraries/schools.
Ages: All ages (varies)
Activities: Community workshops, pop-ups, venue hire for creative learning
Contact: admin@otcreativespace.co.uk · 07823 504223 · Website: otcreativespace.co.uk · IG: @otcreativespace
Waterside Arts – Theatre & Performance
Summary: Trafford’s main performing arts venue; professional touring theatre, dance and family shows, plus schools’ ticket offers and visiting company workshops.
Ages: Children & families, schools (primary–secondary), FE/HE
Activities: Theatre productions, Q&As, backstage tours, linked workshops (by arrangement)
Contact: hello@watersidearts.org · 0161 912 5616 · Website: watersidearts.org · Address: 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF · FB/IG: @watersidearts
Waterside Arts – Galleries & Exhibitions
Summary: Curated exhibitions programme across contemporary visual arts, photography, craft & design; includes open calls and schools’ engagement opportunities.
Ages: KS1–Post-16, FE/HE & adults
Activities: Exhibitions, artist talks, tours, schools’ workshops (by arrangement)
Contact: hello@watersidearts.org · 0161 912 5616 · Website: watersidearts.org/exhibitions · FB/IG: @watersidearts
Waterside Arts – Classes & Workshops
Summary: Regular creative participation including Artful Playground musical-theatre classes, SEN workshops, summer schools, holiday intensives and one-off arts & crafts sessions.
Ages: Children, families, SEN 12–18, young people & adults
Activities: Weekly classes, holiday programmes, SEN days, show-in-a-week intensives
Contact: hello@watersidearts.org · 0161 912 5616 · Website: watersidearts.org/whats-on/creative · FB/IG: @watersidearts
Trafford College – Art & Design
Summary: FE provider in Art, Design & Creative Industries with outreach/taster days and showcases.
Ages: 16–25 (FE) & schools for tasters
Activities: College workshops, taster days, exhibitions, progression pathways
Contact: 0161 886 7070 · Website: trafford.ac.uk · FB: /traffordcollege
Artful Playground @ Waterside
Summary: Musical-theatre style weekly classes & Summer Schools hosted at Waterside Arts.
Ages: 4–15 (by group)
Activities: Weekly classes, holiday “show-in-a-week” programmes, performances
Contact: info@artfulplayground.co.uk · Website: artfulplayground.co.uk · Venue box office: 0161 912 5616
Stitched Up Co-op (Stretford hub)
Summary: Not-for-profit teaching sustainable fashion & textiles; workshops, mending socials and a hub in Stretford Mall.
Ages: Children, young people & adults (varies by session)
Activities: Sewing/upcycling workshops, clubs, community events
Contact: hello@stitchedup.coop · 0161 881 7141 · Website: stitchedup.coop · FB: /stitchedupcoop
SEN-Friendly Provision
Starling CIO
Summary: Creative wellbeing groups for neurodivergent young people (art, music, writing, drama) with sessions in Trafford.
Ages: 10–25 (neurodivergent/SEND)
Activities: Weekly groups, holiday workshops, training/consultancy
Contact: hello@starlingcio.org.uk · Website: starlingcio.org · IG: @starlingcio · FB: /starlingCIO
Waterside – SEN Musical Theatre Workshop
Summary: One-day inclusive performing arts workshop culminating in a short performance.
Ages: 12–18 (SEN)
Activities: Singing, acting, dance workshop day; performance outcome
Contact: hello@watersidearts.org · 0161 912 5616 · Website: watersidearts.org
Gorse Hill Studios – Inclusive Arts
Summary: Inclusive youth arts with specialist programmes for young people with additional needs; creative engagement & pastoral support.
Ages: 8–25
Activities: Supported workshops, targeted projects, 1:1/small-group mentoring through arts
Contact: hello@gorsehillstudios.co.uk · 0161 866 8356 · Website: gorsehillstudios.co.uk
Seasonal & Holiday (Trafford-hosted)
Footlights – Old Trafford Holiday Schools
Summary: Week-long ACT/SING/DANCE “holiday schools” with an end-of-week show in Old Trafford venues.
Ages: Primary to lower secondary (varies)
Activities: Holiday performing arts programmes, showcases
Contact: oldtrafford@footlightstheatre.co.uk · 0161 713 3026 · Website: footlightstheatre.co.uk/holiday-schools · FB: Footlights Old Trafford
AURA Musical Theatre Weeks (Altrincham)
Summary: Musical theatre holiday weeks (sing/act/dance) with end-of-week performance (Altrincham venues).
Ages: Children & young people (by group)
Activities: Week-long holiday clubs, performance
Contact: info@auramusicacademy.com · 0161 941 1554 · Website: auramusicacademy.com/holiday-clubs
Trafford HAF (Holiday Activities & Food)
Summary: Council-backed free/low-cost holiday clubs across Trafford, often including arts, drama, music and dance.
Ages: School-age children eligible for HAF (varies by club)
Activities: Seasonal arts programmes via local providers (links updated each holiday)
Contact: Website: trafforddirectory.co.uk/haf · Email (national HAF team): HAF.Programme@education.gov.uk · For local phone enquiries, use Trafford Council main line or provider contacts listed on the HAF page.
Providing Services in Trafford
Drama & Performance
Altru Drama CIC
Summary: Theatre-in-Education company delivering curriculum-linked drama, issue-based workshops and touring performances.
Ages: KS1–KS4
Activities: In-school workshops, residencies, touring shows, CPD
Contact: info@altru.co.uk · 0151 443 0333 · FB: /AltruDrama
Street Style Surgery
Summary: Creative workshops in drama, enterprise, graffiti/street art, fashion, spoken word & wellbeing for schools and youth groups.
Ages: 8–18
Activities: In-school workshops, after-school sessions, holiday programmes, digital projects
Contact: info@streetstylesurgery.co.uk · IG: @streetstylesurgery
Wildcard Theatre Company Ltd
Summary: Innovative touring theatre with education packs and youth workshops to support curriculum outcomes.
Ages: 11–25
Activities: Workshops, Q&As, school residencies, touring shows
Contact: info@wildcardtheatre.co.uk · IG: @wildcardtheatre
Act It Out CIC
Summary: Creative drama sessions supporting confidence, communication and inclusion, including SEND provision.
Ages: Children & young people
Activities: In-school/after-school drama, inclusive projects
Contact: actitoutcic@gmail.com
The Circus House
Summary: Circus arts company offering acrobatics, aerial and circus skills training & outreach.
Ages: 6–18 & adults
Activities: In-school workshops, after-school clubs, holiday programmes, residencies
Contact: info@thecircushouse.co.uk · 0161 870 9155 · IG: @thecircushousemcr
Arts On The Move
Summary: Drama resources and school workshops to support literacy, PSHE and performance skills.
Ages: 6–18
Activities: In-school drama, scripts/resources, teacher CPD
Contact: info@artsonmove.co.uk
Peter Kennedy — Drama in Education
Summary: Drama practitioner delivering curriculum-linked workshops and residencies.
Ages: KS2–KS5
Activities: In-school workshops, teacher CPD, issue-based drama
Contact: info@peterkennedy.co.uk
Visual Arts & Design
Venessa Scott
Summary: Renowned visual artist & muralist delivering school workshops and public art projects exploring identity and place.
Ages: KS2–KS5 & community
Activities: In-school workshops, murals, creative residencies, CPD
Contact: hello@venessascott.co.uk · IG: @venessascott
Sally Gilford
Summary: Printmaker and participatory artist with experience across schools and community projects.
Ages: All ages (workshop-dependent)
Activities: Printmaking, textiles, large-scale collaborative projects
Contact: hello@sallygilford.com · IG: @sallygilford
Tina Ramos Ekongo
Summary: Visual artist/illustrator running workshops on cultural heritage, portraiture and identity.
Ages: Children, young people & families
Activities: In-school workshops, residencies, exhibitions
Contact: tinaramosekongo@gmail.com · IG: @tinaramosekongo
Henry Iddon
Summary: Photographer running creative photography/storytelling workshops and exhibitions with schools & youth groups.
Ages: KS2–KS5
Activities: Photography workshops, exhibitions, collaborative projects
Contact: info@henryiddon.com · IG: @henryiddon
Paul Pickford — Visual Artist
Summary: Drawing & painting workshops for schools and community groups.
Ages: Children & young people
Activities: In-school workshops, arts weeks, residencies
Contact: paulpickfordart@gmail.com
Nayna-Arts Creative
Summary: Community visual arts projects and cultural workshops (South Asian arts focus).
Ages: Children, families & community
Activities: Cultural arts workshops, painting, collaborative murals
Contact: Enquiries via socials/booking pages
Music
Brighter Sound
Summary: Music charity supporting young people & emerging artists through residencies, mentoring and schools projects.
Ages: 13–25
Activities: Creative residencies, in-school projects, mentoring, digital showcases
Contact: info@brightersound.com · IG: @brightersound
Note Weavers
Summary: Early years music specialists providing CPD and creative music-making with 0–7s.
Ages: Early Years (0–7) & educators
Activities: Workshops for children, practitioner CPD, resources
Contact: info@noteweavers.org · IG: @noteweavers
Sally Bradnam — Musician
Summary: Musician/educator delivering singing & instrumental projects in schools and communities.
Ages: Children & young people
Activities: In-school workshops, performances, residencies
Contact: sally.bradnam@gmail.com
Sarah Atter — Musician
Summary: Freelance musician and educator specialising in creative ensembles and accessible music-making.
Ages: KS1–KS5
Activities: Workshops, composition projects, instrumental tuition
Contact: sarahattermusic@gmail.com · Site: sarahatter.com
Writing & Literature
Felicity Goodman
Summary: Storyteller and theatre-maker leading storytelling/creative writing sessions in schools & community settings.
Ages: Children, families & adults
Activities: In-school storytelling, writing workshops, residencies, festival sessions
Contact: hello@felicitygoodman.com · IG: @felicitygoodmanstories
Matt Goodfellow
Summary: Award-winning children’s poet offering high-energy poetry workshops and author visits.
Ages: Primaries (KS1–KS3)
Activities: In-school workshops, readings, residencies
Contact: mattgoodfellowpoet@gmail.com · X/IG: @EarlyTrain (or via site)
The Writing Squad
Summary: Development programme for young writers across the North, with mentoring and workshops.
Ages: 16–21 (core), older alumni engaged as mentors
Activities: Mentoring, workshops, residencies, showcases
Contact: info@thewritingsquad.com
Story Drawing Club
Summary: Blends illustration and storytelling to build literacy and creativity in primary settings.
Ages: 5–12
Activities: Workshops, after-school clubs, holiday sessions
Contact: storydrawingclub@gmail.com
Multi-Arts & Community
Afrocats
Summary: Inclusive arts organisation supporting young people and families through dance, drama and cultural heritage projects.
Ages: Families, children & young people
Activities: In-school workshops, community residencies, cultural exchanges, performances
Contact: info@afrocats.org.uk · IG: @afrocatsmcr
Z-arts
Summary: Manchester’s venue for children & families delivering theatre, exhibitions and creative learning — bookable to work with Trafford schools.
Ages: 0–11 & families
Activities: In-school/venue workshops, holiday clubs, performances
Contact: boxoffice@z-arts.org · 0161 226 1912 · IG: @zartsmcr
Community Arts North West (CAN)
Summary: Participatory arts with diverse communities across theatre, music, and digital arts; partners with schools and youth groups.
Ages: All ages
Activities: Community/school projects, performances, digital arts, festivals
Contact: info@can.uk.com · IG: @can_mcr
Venture Arts
Summary: Visual arts organisation working with learning disabled and autistic artists; runs Young People’s Art Club and outreach to schools.
Ages: 8–25 (youth programmes) & adults
Activities: Workshops, exhibitions, in-school projects, Arts Award
Contact: info@venturearts.org · IG: @venturearts
Curious Minds
Summary: Cultural education charity (Bridge legacy) brokering partnerships, training and Artsmark/Arts Award support across the North West.
Ages: Children & young people; educators (CPD)
Activities: Brokerage, CPD, programmes, partnerships
Contact: info@curiousminds.org.uk · X/IG: @CuriousMindsNW
Earlybird Project
Summary: Inclusive creative learning projects across artforms for schools and youth groups.
Ages: Children & young people
Activities: In-school workshops, after-school clubs, creative residencies
Contact: earlybirdproject@gmail.com
Embrace Performing Arts Ltd
Summary: Dance, drama and music education provider delivering in schools and community settings across GM.
Ages: 4–18
Activities: Classes, workshops, holiday programmes, performances
Contact: info@embraceperformingarts.co.uk · IG: @embraceperformingartsltd
ARTventurers — South Manchester
Summary: Award-winning messy art & creative play for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers; delivers sessions in/near Trafford.
Ages: 6 months – 4 years (plus family holiday sessions)
Activities: Weekly classes, holiday activities, parties, nursery sessions
Contact: Via local page · FB/IG: @artventurerssouthmanchester
Digital, Film & Media
SODA — School of Digital Arts (MMU)
Summary: HE school for film, animation, game design, UX and digital arts; offers outreach, tasters and schools engagement.
Ages: 16+ (HE), enrichment for KS4/KS5
Activities: Digital workshops, masterclasses, campus visits, progression pathways
Contact: soda@mmu.ac.uk · IG: @sodamanchester