May to June has had some very hot weather and some very cold very wet weather, but thankfully the wildlife seems to have survived that. Our nest box of blue-tits has successfully fledged, despite a black cat perching on top of the nest box trying to paw the hole. There are plenty of ducklings and […]
Fledglings galore! Read More »
Join us for an intimate weekend celebrating traditional song, folk culture, storytelling and community at Mount Pleasant, New Mills from 4 to 6 September 2026. There are two stages featuring a great range of artists, plus throughout the weekend: 🎶 Communal singing sessions🪕 Singing workshops🎙️ Talks, folklore & storytelling💃 Morris dancing sides🎧 Live recordings of
Sing Yonder Festival 1 Read More »
In May we are starting to see some courting behaviour amongst our feathered friends, and also chicks emerging, writes John Kitching from New Mills Wildlife Photography. It must be almost summer as I have seen plenty of swallows with their long, streaming tails catching flies over the river by Mousely Bottom Nature Reserve, and you
The swallows are back! Read More »
The High Peak Open Studios event is a free, self-guided arts trail celebrating artists who open their working spaces and local venues to the public in towns across the High Peak, including New Mills. It runs from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May 2026 For details of the artists operating in New Mills and the
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The HandleBards are BACK — and this year they’re bringing not one, but two unforgettable performances in support of the Rock Mill Centre! Pedaling from venue to venue with all of their set, props, and costumes strapped to the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors spending the summer
Signal: Summer Sessions comes to Torr Vale Mill on Friday 5 June. A music-led night of deep electronic sound, atmosphere and movement — starting with a slightly softer summer feel, then moving deeper and darker as the night goes on. For people who still want to dance, switch off and feel the music, without the
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New Mills AODS Announces Auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Fancy stepping into the spotlight? New Mills Art Theatre is inviting people to audition for its next big community production – Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. After the success of Elf The Musical last year and Shrek The Musical in 2024, New Mills Amateur
New Mills AODS Announces Auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Read More »
February has seen the arrival of noisy groups of Siskins chattering in the treetops These are striking little yellow birds with a black crown and dark stripes. There have also been some female and male kestrels around the Torrs Riverside Park, often perching on lampposts, trees and cables. If you stop and listen, you’ll hear
Can you spot a Goldcrest? Read More »
Let’s make New Mills beautiful, filling our town with summer blooms and enhancing the vibrancy of our pretty town. New Mills has a tradition of being filled with colourful flowers and hanging baskets over the summer months, and we plan to hang 60 hanging baskets to brighten our streets and show visitors what a wonderful
Blooming marvellous! Read More »
It’s Panto time in New Mills and once again it’s colourful, it’s fun, it’s audience participation and a great night out! Frosted is presented by Friends of the Art Theatre. Kim Cooper makes her debut as pantomime Director and I have to say I have worked many years with Kim and she has done an amazing job. Of course, you can’t have a panto without music and dancing and leading the musicians is Oliver Jodrell who has done a super job with ensemble vocal harmonies. Great to see Cathryn Yates back as choreographer. This team of dancers is well drilled and, what’s more, work their socks off on stage with a smile on their faces. The principals work as a team and congratulations must go to Dave Brittles who stepped at short notice to play the role of Prince Anders the pantomime baddie. He had us booing and hissing throughout his performance and he was ably assisted by Lisa Quin as Sinestra. Dave also played the role of Token and did a great job of that. Grace Tildesley (Ella) and Keira Lambe (Hannah) the two princesses had strong musical vocals and good character acting. Tom Farris as Kristian was very natural in this role and Grace Vickers was a good choice as the snow queen. Anthony Lambe as the herald made the role fun and got the party going. Congratulations to Helena Ashbury as Scoop, this was only a small role but I have to say she made it her own. Now to Ross Provart who played Duke Wesley who became Frosty. This young man never fails to amaze me. His characterisation is his own, which for a director is a blessing. As the Duke, his accent and delivery is uniquely his, then the transformation into Frosty is a totally new different accent and almost giddy character, who the children will love. He is very entertaining and his timing with the Dame is excellent for one so young. It’s great to see Darren Cooper back as the Dame. His banter with the audience is first class and his costumes fabulous. I said colourful at the beginning – well the finale is the icing on the cake. Many congratulations to all involved in this pantomime – stage crew, sound and lighting, costumes, make up, chaperones, and of course the extra volunteers who run this magical little gem of a theatre. Wishing you all a fantastic run and thank you for asking me down to do this report. Sheryl Haydock-Howorth Tickets are still available so don’t delay, hurry and get your tickets now. Performances Friday 30 January, Friday 6 February and Saturday 7 February – 7.15pmSaturday 31 January, Sunday 1 February and Saturday 7 February – 2.15pm Ticket information:Adults: £14.50Under 16s: £12.50 Book your tickets now at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/arttheatrepantomime Booking fees may apply.
Frosted – the panto Read More »
