Vale Cinema

Global Grooves began in 2001 as a small collective of percussionists and workshop leaders in the North West, responding to a demand for more advanced and expert training in every arts discipline from Brazilian drumming to Afro-Cuban song. Now established as a registered charity, Global Grooves continues to go from strength to strength, delivering authentic courses and development work for participants and professionals alike.

In April 2012 Global Grooves moved into a former mill in Mossley, a small town to the north east of Stalybridge, Greater Manchester. In space on the second floor, the company principally produces carnival costumes and floats for worldwide customers.

In early-2015 the decision was made to additionally develop the space for arts events that would benefit the local community, including film, music and live performances.

The Vale arts centre was launched with a series of events, including films, in September 2015. The auditorium seats were obtained from the Muni Theatre in Colne, Lancashire. When not in use, they are stored in an adjacent room; this is necessary as the main space is used as a workshop.

To make the workshop space more ‘performance friendly’, a track has been installed around the ceiling. Black curtains are pulled around the seating area, creating an intimate, comfortable auditorium.

I visited one morning and was made very welcome by Global Grooves CEO Leon Patel. He showed me around - and even drew the black curtains around and lowered the cinema screen so I could see the space in cinema mode! He hopes to continue the cinema offerings with themed screenings where the films can be accompanied by a live show.

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