THE GREAT HEYWOOD GATHERING
10th-23rd of August 2026
Introducing you to THE GREAT HEYWOOD GATHERING a BRAND NEW Arts & Wellbeing Festival in Heywood with a theme of mental health, wellbeing, and healthy communities, happening over two weeks this August 2026 between 10th and 23rd.
Our programme delivery is led by the decisions of local people; via surveys, creative engagement events, and final selection is made by a panel of Heywood Residents in collaboration with the Culture Co-op team.
In June 2025, the panel decided that we would produce a new Festival programme for the summer of 2026 that followed the following principles:
Experience something NEW
Experience something UNEXPECTED
Experience something DOWN-TO-EARTH
A popular idea that emerged from this engagement was that we would create a New Heywood Tradition. This was in part an attempt to counteract negative perceptions of Heywood and a sense of ‘disconnectedness’ amongst local residents. We therefore want to produce something that celebrates the creativity, humour and down-to-earth nature found in the local area.
THE GREAT HEYWOOD GATHERING
Saturday 22nd of August 2026 - 10am-4pm
Our BIG FREE main event will be a day of music, creativity and community for all ages!
Meet us at Heywood Civic for musical activities including a drumming circle, songwriting workshops, jamming sessions and family music making (see poster for time slots).
Moving over to Queen’s park for access all ages sports activities, interactive dancing and a musical moment at the band stand !
You can also get involved in a bike ride with music! Starting at Heywood sports village and finishing at Queen’s park for a community sing along!
