The Birth of Global Grooves: A Story of Passion, Perseverance, and Transformation
The story of Global Grooves began in the mid-1990s in Mossley, when percussionist and workshop leader Iain Mellor launched Cabasa (Now Cabasa CIC), a vibrant percussion collective that would set the stage for a cultural revolution. Each week, the Community Centre came alive with rhythm as 30 people from all walks of life gathered to explore Latin percussion. Among them was a teenage Leon Patel, full of energy and curiosity, who would go on to lead Global Grooves to the national stage.
In the same period, a government initiative aimed at opening up new opportunities for young people created the perfect platform for Cabasa to expand. The programme introduced percussion workshops to schools across the region, engaging whole classes in a range of exciting musical traditions. At Saddleworth School, a young Holly Prest watched the Bean Brothers Bongo Band perform in 1996 and was so inspired that she decided to join Cabasa. Her decision set her on a path that would intertwine with Leon’s and change the trajectory of UK Carnival arts.
Leon, Holly, and a close-knit group of passionate young artists quickly took on leadership roles at Cabasa, driven by an unrelenting desire to raise the bar for Carnival arts in the UK. They dived headfirst into rehearsals, gigs, workshops, and masterclasses, fuelled by a sense of community and purpose. The energy was contagious, and what began as a local project soon blossomed into something much bigger.
Determined to make an even greater impact, Leon and Holly launched The Republic of Swing, a series of workshops designed to foster a skills exchange between different carnival bands. This initiative evolved into the masterclass model that Global Grooves continues to use for its major performances today. It was all about sharing knowledge, pushing boundaries, and bringing people together through music and dance.
But their vision didn’t stop there. Inspired by Meninos do Morumbi, an incredible social project in São Paulo, Brazil, that was using art to transform the lives of young people in the favelas, Leon saw an opportunity to bring that model to Oldham. With Oldham facing significant social challenges and racial tensions, Leon invited key members of Meninos do Morumbi – percussionist Eraldo Marques and dancer/choreographer Adriana Rosso – to collaborate in creating Meninos Oldham. This new project offered free weekly sessions in percussion, dance, and Capoeira for hundreds of young people aged 7 to 18 each week, providing a safe, creative space that gave them a sense of belonging and purpose.
The partnership with Meninos do Morumbi had an electrifying effect. Eraldo and Adriana’s influence was so profound that they chose to stay in the UK, where their expertise helped shape the growth of the UK’s Carnival scene. Alongside Leon, Holly, and the integral contribution of visual and textile artist, Emily Wood (Now the Artistic Director of Cabasa CIC), Global Grooves was born – a vibrant, ambitious cultural force committed to artistic excellence and community engagement.
Over time, Global Grooves grew in both size and influence. New projects flourished, and the team’s commitment to fostering emerging talent and engaging the community remained at the heart of everything they did. But the road wasn’t without its challenges.
In 2018, disaster struck when a fire ravaged the storage facility in Stalybridge, destroying years of work, including treasured visual arts pieces and puppets. The loss was devastating, but the team’s resilience was unshakable. With a renewed sense of determination, Global Grooves launched Project Phoenix to re-create new work and ensure they could meet their upcoming commitments. The project’s success was a testament to the strength and spirit of the organisation.
Later that year, Global Grooves received recognition for its work when it became a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) with Arts Council England, the only NPO in Tameside. This achievement was a milestone in the organisation’s journey, opening doors for new opportunities and partnerships.
Today, Global Grooves is a dynamic cultural hub surrounded by passionate, talented artists who bring energy and innovation to everything we do. The Vale, our home in Mossley, has become a creative sanctuary, a space where new ideas flow freely, and collaboration is at the heart of our work. We are proud to be a company made up of an incredible team artists and community leaders we’ve met along the way, as well as those from our Future Leaders Programme, who are now integral members of the Global Grooves professional team.
This vibrant environment has been further energised by the arrival of Amelia Bayliss as General Manager at The Vale. Amelia brought a surge of energy, vision, and expertise to the team, quickly becoming a central figure in driving Global Grooves forward. Her leadership has been crucial as we continue to evolve and push boundaries, but it’s her commitment to environmental sustainability that has truly set her apart. Amelia has spearheaded a wave of eco-conscious change at The Vale, guiding us to make thoughtful decisions that reduce waste, preserve resources, and ensure our growth honours both the environment and the community we serve.
As we look to the future, Global Grooves remains committed to nurturing creativity and collaboration, drawing on the talents of local artists who inspire and support our work every day. Our team now reflects the very heart of Global Grooves: a dynamic group of artists, cultural community leaders, and passionate individuals from all walks of life, working together to create something truly special.
With the opening of the Northern Carnival Centre of Excellence at The Vale, Global Grooves enters an exciting new phase, with even greater possibilities ahead. The Centre will continue to be a hub for creativity, nurturing the next generation of artists and leaders while staying rooted in our commitment to community, culture, and Carnival arts.
What started in a small community centre in Mossley has grown into a dynamic, high-profile arts organisation, but the story is far from over. Global Grooves continues to push the boundaries of creativity, while staying true to its roots in community, collaboration, and artistic excellence.
We invite you to join us as we embark on this next exciting chapter. Find out more about our work, our vision, how you can join us and more about our home The Vale.
Together, we can make the future of Carnival and outdoor arts even brighter.
