Calling all Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater Artists in the North West!

Factory International, Lollobal and Gemma Lees are looking for craftspeople, musicians, dancers and workshop leaders for an event celebrating GRT History Month at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 1st June 2025.

‘Kushti Cumpenia: A Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Celebration’ will be a family friendly, fun-packed day where we can show off our histories, cultures, languages, music, dance and crafts to both community members and the wider public of Manchester. 

Gathered around a vardo, chitty and yog, the afternoon will begin with workshops in traditional crafts, e.g. paper flowers, beady pockets, basket weaving etc. alongside craftspeople creating traditional spoons, puppets, barge paintings etc. who will also chat to visitors about the history and traditions of the crafts. 

We will then have a storytelling/ spoken word portion with storyteller Richard O’Neill MBE and an open mic available with slots for family-friendly poetry and tales.

The event will finish spectacularly with traditional music and dance from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater traditions.

And this is where we need you! We are looking for: Musicians/bands, dancers, craftspeople and workshop leaders (this is a paid gig). Please email Gemma Lees at gemmathepoet@gmail.com with a short bio and a video/ images of your act/ craft. The deadline for applications is midnight 18th April.

We will also be recruiting open mic performers closer to the event so feel free to contact Gemma regarding this also. 

TT News/Gemma Lees press release

(Photograph: Richard O'Neill, Gemma Lees and Tommy Lees (c) Rural Media)