Rochdale-based multidisciplinary production company Breaking Barriers has secured National Lottery Project Grant funding via Arts Council England to launch the first phase of a new project with South Asian communities in Bury, in partnership with the National Trust. Starting in January 2027, the project will use creativity to bring residents from the town out onto Holcombe Moor and the River Irwell.

This first year lays the foundations for a longer-term ambition: a four-year creative journey following the River Irwell from Bury to Manchester city centre, with the aim of creating a large-scale live performance on Holcombe Moor and, ultimately, a major public production in Manchester City Centre.

The first round of investment will fund 30 weeks of free workshops in photography, filmmaking, poetry, singing and sound design. Participants will explore their own stories and travel together from their homes and neighbourhoods to the open landscape of the moor, capturing the journey creatively along the way. Their co-created work will be shared on Holcombe Moor in summer 2027.

The project will also create five paid roles for local young people, aged 18-25, who want to start a career in the creative industries. The recruitment for an Assistant Director, Assistant Producer, Assistant Sound Designer, Assistant Filmmaker and Assistant Photographer has already started and the successful candidates will begin working on the project in early November 2026.

Rooted in co-creation, the project invites people who would not usually visit the moors to connect with the land and its waterways through creative conversation, exploration and making. It supports the National Trust’s strategy to 2035, People and Nature Thriving, and its goal to end unequal access to nature, beauty and history.

Parvez Qadir, Artistic Director at Breaking Barriers said: “We're thrilled to be working with so many key partners on this project in Bury.

“Holcombe Moor is right on people's doorsteps, but many in our communities face real barriers to reaching it. This project gives people the support to make that journey, to tell their own stories creatively and to experience nature in a way they may never have had the chance to before.

“We’ve worked on the moors before. With Elevation, we created an immersive sound walk on Blackstone Edge with local communities in Rochdale, weaving their stories, poetry and voices into the landscape. We saw how powerful it can be when people hear their own stories out on the land, and we’re excited to bring a similar approach to Bury.”

Jodie Ratcliffe, Executive Producer at Breaking Barriers, said: “Having grown up in Bury, I know that chances to get involved in arts and culture are few and far between, especially for young people. It’s really special for me to bring this project home, and I can’t wait to see people connect, share their stories and get creative in the nature that’s been on our doorstep all along.”

Nik Taylor, Area Ranger for the National Trust Holcombe Moor, commented: “The entire team is very excited to partner with Breaking Barriers in this fantastic project ending unequal access and linking local communities to their surrounding nature, beauty and heritage. We are really looking forward to hosting visiting groups to the moor and sharing our passion for nature restoration.”

Partners are working together to remove the practical barriers that keep people away from the moors. Transport for Greater Manchester are also partnering with Breaking Barriers to support communities to travel to the moors, United Utilities have kindly provided waterproof outdoor kit, and National Trust rangers and volunteers will welcome participants.

The project is also supported by The Met Bury, Public Health Bury, the Wheels and Walks Fund, the GMCA Spirit Fund and The Granada Foundation.

Workshops are free and open to residents of Pimhole, Fishpool and the surrounding area. Local community groups and organisations are invited to reach out to find out more about how to get involved by emailing breakingbarriersprojects@gmail.com

Breaking Barriers is a Rochdale-based Community Interest Company using arts and culture to amplify unheard voices and strengthen community connection. Working closely with local residents, artists and partners, Breaking Barriers creates accessible, place-based projects that celebrate identity, challenge perceptions and open up creative opportunities for people traditionally underrepresented in the arts.
https://breakingbarriersrochdale.co.uk/