New Mills has a thriving arts scene, with a beautiful Art Theatre offering performances of theatre, gigs and musicals. The smaller Spring Bank Arts Centre is converted from St James the Less Church and is worth checking out for the spectacular restoration work of this Pugin-inspired building with its ornate roof and plastered walls. Spring bank Arts Centre is a more intimate space that hosts coffee mornings, Craft Fairs, concerts, folk, classical and comedy performances.
New Mills’ popular folk band, The Gally Canters, can often be heard performing in pubs and venues around the area and Milltown Studios on Meadow Street offers music tuition, a recording studio, rehearsal space, sound systems, staging, lighting and a shop.
Many artists live and work in the town which has a popular Gallery on the High Street. There is a programme of craft fairs and exhibitions. Check the Rock Mill Centre for a changing programme of installations.