Finally we have arranged a long-planned collaboration with our friends at Edinburgh's Pianodrome.

A performance on the very prepared piano at the heart of the Acousatron, followed by sound experimentation workshops. Details here soon.

Noise Jam & improvisation game with upcycled instruments

Experiment with unusual instruments, creating beautiful music (or a horrendous cacophony) from up-cycled e-waste, rubber bands, egg slicers and other random objects.

We will play live music to accompany original poetry written with Keisha Thompson in a neighbouring workshop. We will play games to help us improvise and turn noise into music (or just more structured noise…).

All welcome with no previous musical experience required.

Drop-in Scavengers workshop activities with Bass Buzz

In association with Northern Broadsides, as part of Iron People

Drop-in, no booking required

An afternoon of performances and interactive activities for all ages exploring Todmorden’s actions in slowing the flow including an interactive sculpture, poetry, music and song all created by local residents.

Suitable for all ages.

We are running a free return mini bus from the centre of Todmorden to Gordon Rigg on the day; follow this link: https://www.northern-broadsides.co.uk/mastering-the-flow-todmorden-community-showcase/

Gush/Trickle is an interactive water-based sound sculpture, designed and built during community workshops in Todmorden. Poetry and voice recordings taken during other workshops will be mixed into the amplified sound of water.

There will also be ongoing workshops and a performance at 3pm.

In partnership with Northern Broadsides as part of Iron People

Future Flow – Interactive Sculpture Building Workshop

Booking essential: Book here

2-5pm Sat & Sun drop-in, come-and-go

We are looking for anyone who can help with the build of the final piece. We are especially looking for two kinds of participation, but anyone with an interest who can contribute ideas and hands to the project is welcome.

This is a drop-in Making workshop, so you can come for part of it and leave when you need to over both days.

1) Artists/crafters

Anyone who would like to have a go at contributing to the artistic decoration; drawing & stencilling silhouettes of Todmorden landmarks to decorate the final piece. EG Stoodley Pike, Bride Stones, viaduct. 

Also: adding your own personal, quirky references to the area, eg your friend's dog or your favourite pub. This is very open to the ideas of the workshop attendees. There will be tools and materials at the Makery, but please also bring you own if you have them (cutters, printed images, inspiration).

2) Makers & handy people

Nuts & bolts; getting the mechanical & water and systems to work! Handy people who can use hand tools, extra points for skills with basic plumbing & fixings.

We will be mounting a water tub onto a scaffold tower and then encouraging the water to flow through different tubes onto a sloped surface. Many interesting technical challenges!

---

Work with Noisy Toys creator Steve Summers to build an interactive sculpture representing the future of water flow down the valley.
This hands-on activity is all about exploring how water behaves and how we can influence its journey. The sculpture will demonstrate how water flows downhill and how interventions can change its path. Without any interventions, water tipped from the top tank will rush straight down into the bottom trough, causing potential damage. But when you add features like a spongy moss layer, leaky dams, or a grass garden instead of paved surfaces, the water will slow down, trickling gently and safely. You’ll use recycled materials to create this sculpture, making it both educational and environmentally friendly.
There’s no difference between the two sessions – both are focused on building the sculpture and getting the components ready. You can join one or both sessions to contribute. Either way, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact and see your ideas come to life!
Age Limit 14+