In summer 2022 the Den was built for the third time in Cheetham Hill at the Ukrainian cultural centre to host the Den in M8.
In July and August 2022, the Den, the Royal Exchange’s mobile theatre was situated in the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Cheetham Hill for two weeks of events, performances, workshops and activities.
Since 2017 the Royal Exchange has been resident in Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall, working in partnership with local communities developing key partnerships with organisations such as Manchester Jewish Museum, Khizra Mosque and Abraham Moss School and Library.
Alongside developing key partnerships, we have also been bringing together a 12-strong Local Exchange Ambassador team to co-create and deliver the Den Festival. This team of Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall residents helped shape the themes and ideas for the Festival as well as ran workshops and hosted events, compered the opening launch night and got their friends, family and neighbours to come along and experience the Den for themselves.
“Lively and diverse programme, giving a real sense of community”
The Den in M8 audience member
The Den Festival 2022
From 29 July to 6 August the Den Festival was host to 25 individual events including two exhibitions, nine free workshops, a free family day and 11 incredible performances. A mix of both professional productions and community shows – including ENG-ER-LAND by Wo-Lab and Hannah Kumari and Full English from Bent Architect productions.
We also hosted the uniquely entertaining M8’s GOT TALENT and the world premiere of COLD CHIPS AND PICK N MIX written by Sonia Jalaly and developed with members of the Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall community, starring non-professional and professional actors.
Tickets for THE DEN IN M8 were either free or a £1 with donations to the Ukrainian Cultural Relief Fund encouraged.
Alongside developing the festival, we created and delivered a customer service training programme with the Manchester Adult Education Service for local residents who are currently unemployed – this was designed to improve skills, increase confidence and encourage team working. As well as a collaboration with the Manchester Jewish Museum saw participants work with our Costume Department to design COLD CHIPS AND PICK N MIX.
“Really really good. It gave me an emotional attachment to Cheetham Hill, definitely brought a tear to my eye. Well done guys!”
The Den in M8 audience member
