• Mission: TCEP is a dynamic network focused on expanding access to high-quality arts and cultural experiences for children and young people across Trafford.
• Collaboration: The partnership brings together local schools, cultural organizations, artists, and community partners to create a unified approach to cultural education.
• Impact: TCEP champions creative opportunities that ignite imagination, support wellbeing, and celebrate Trafford's unique cultural identity.
• Approach: Driven by inclusion and collaboration, TCEP develops place-based cultural education strategies, breaks down engagement barriers, and ensures equal opportunities for all to grow, create, and thrive through arts and culture.
Contact for additions or nominations:
Caroline Gleaves: hello@gorsehillstudios.co.uk | 0161 866 8356
Contact for feedback:
Ruth O'Keefe: music.service@Trafford.gov.uk | 0161 911 8659
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
Davyhulme Art Club (Urmston/Davyhulme)
Summary: Friendly community art club welcoming all abilities; regular programme, exhibitions and socials.
Ages: Teens (with guardian) & adults
Activities: Weekly art sessions, exhibitions, community showcases
Contact: Tel: 0161 613 9059 · Website: trafford-arts.org/dac · Updates also via Trafford Libraries socials (local exhibitions)
Sale Moor Art Club (Sale Moor)
Summary: Long-running community art club (est. 1983/84–) welcoming beginners and experienced artists; two Monday sessions.
Ages: Teens (with guardian) & adults
Activities: Weekly sessions (Mon 10:00 & 13:30), exhibitions, community events
Contact: Tel: 07766 051282 · Facebook group: Sale Moor Art Club · Venue: Sale Moor Community Centre
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
Part of the Trafford Cultural Education Partnership (TCEP)
Supported by Trafford Music Service and community partners across Trafford Council.
© 2025 Trafford Cultural Education Partnership. All rights reserved.