Worker Bee Becomes Queen as Oldham Folk Dancers Wow Crowds at Barcelona’s La Mercè Festival
Manchester’s cultural spirit recently shone brightly in Barcelona.
As the spectacular “Worker Bee Becomes Queen” Carnival performance and two Oldham-based folk dance groups wowed audiences at La Mercè Festival 2025 — one of Europe’s most celebrated street arts festivals.
Among the highlights was Oldham folk dancers from The Indian Association Oldham’s Dancing Diyas and Saddleworth Women’s Morris & Clog, who collaborated to create a brand-new dance piece blending their distinct cultural traditions in a dazzling display that captivated Barcelona audiences in a number of parades including the Gathering of the Beasts Parade and Stick dancing Parade and performances.
The performers, aged from their 20s to 60s, travelled to the Catalonian capital to take part in La Mercè Festival, Barcelona’s biggest annual arts celebration. This year, Manchester was invited as guest city, with Oldham artists proudly representing the region on an international stage.
The collaboration was made possible by Global Grooves, an international Carnival arts organisation based in Mossley. Over two months, the two dance groups worked closely with Brazilian choreographer Adriana Rosso to develop an original short performance that honoured both traditions.
Live musicians Jack Tinker and Emma Marsh composed a new score especially for the event, weaving together Indian and British folk influences with a contemporary global soundscape.
One surprising discovery during rehearsals was the similarity between the two traditions -particularly the use of sticks – which delighted both dancers and audiences.
Freya Bennett-Nielsen, producer at Global Grooves, said:
“Working together, the two groups explored their cultural practices, sharing stories and finding common threads. Rather than blending the styles, the choreography celebrates both identities while highlighting their shared values. The audiences in Barcelona were amazed to see these connections, and the enthusiasm was incredible.”
Karuna Mohandas, lead choreographer of Dancing Diyas, said:
“It’s been really exciting to learn more about Morris dancing. We’ve discovered so many similarities as well as fascinating differences. Most of our group had never travelled abroad to perform before, so to bring our dances to Barcelona was a truly unforgettable experience. When you dance together, you become like a family, and I think that really shone through.”
Laura Kemp-Smyth, squire and forewoman of Saddleworth Women’s Morris & Clog, added:
“This project has been a revelation. We knew about Bollywood dance but not so much about Indian folk traditions. To find so many parallels has been eye-opening. As a new team, we were thrilled to perform on a world stage, representing Greater Manchester and the UK. We’ve been inspired by the whole process and will carry this creativity forward in everything we do.”
Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Oldham Council, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see Oldham artists and cultural organisations represented on the global stage through this prestigious partnership with Barcelona’s La Mercè Festival. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our creative talent, build international links, and celebrate the diversity and energy of our communities.”
La Mercè runs every September, featuring street parades, concerts, arts performances, and cultural celebrations that attract huge local and international audiences. Each year a guest city is invited; in 2025 Manchester took the honour, following Casablanca, Morocco, in 2024.
This project was produced by Global Grooves and commissioned by XTRAX. It was supported by Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, XTRAX, and funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), GM Arts, Oldham Council, and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.
The two giant bee puppets were crafted during a collaboration between local artists including Emily Wood of Cabasa CIC, Mel Roberts, Lizzie Rigby and Dave Young and three of Catalonia’s best known puppet makers, Dolors Sans, Pau Reig, and Joaquin Luna, plus many local makers and volunteers.
Local audiences will have the chance to experience the magic for themselves when Worker Bee Becomes Queen, the Gigantes, Beasts, and Dance performances appear as part of Oldham Illuminate Light Night on 21 February 2026.
