So here we are in 2026 as the green shoots of our reawakening, after our winter sleep, emerge into the light...
We are delighted to announce our first in-person event- a wonderful workshop, The Memory of Things, exploring the importance of material culture in archaeology and contemporary living, facilitated by archaeologists, Leaping Hare- the beginning of a creative and inspiring collaboration with the Centre. Watch this space for further Leaping Hare events, currently in the planning phase.
This first event is a vital fundraiser to raise money for the future of the Centre in Todmorden and care of the 1000's of books, journals and artifacts in our library and archive.
Our online programme kicks off in February (first Wednesday of the month at 7pm) with Amy Boucher, for those who remember her spellbinding stortelling when she came in-person to tell us stories from Shropshire folklore, this is a do-not-miss.
As we slowly regroup we will endevour to get information updated as regularly as we can. Thank you for bearing with us over the winter, and we look forward to seeing friends old and new during 2026.
Upcoming events
The Folklore Centre in Todmorden is a vibrant hub for exploring folklore, offering an array of events and exhibitions for all ages. Upcoming highlights include workshops, exhibitions, and talks covering various folklore themes, providing a deep dive into local and global traditions.
WELCOME
A gathering place for folklore enthusiasts across Northern England, the Folklore Centre in Todmorden celebrates cultural heritage through arts, film, crafts, a library and an archive.
Here, visitors can experience talks, workshops, exhibitions, storytelling sessions, conferences, and a wealth of local folk history, all designed to preserve and share the timeless narratives that connect communities. Our exhibitions are all free, but any donations are gratefully received and contribute to the running of the centre.
Currently the library is open only by application. Please check upcoming events for times the Centre is open for activities.
Past events
WHO WE ARE
Overview
The Centre’s activities will provide benefit to the community of Todmorden, and the Upper Calder Valley, through expansion of the tourism offer, education opportunities, links to well-being through exploration of landscape- walking- and the benefits of storytelling, community cohesion, economic regeneration, promoting intercultural and intergenerational understanding, preservation of heritage and environment, including the wider community to engage with storytelling, art, drama, music, dance and craft, and recognition for Todmorden through the setting up of an academic research centre, archive and resource unit.
Tourism
Expanding Todmorden’s offer through museum type/ art exhibitions as well as events including talks and conferences and workshops, working towards a multi-attraction approach, the Centre will contribute to Todmorden’s growing reputation nationally and internationally and boost economic regeneration.
Exploration of landscape
Engaging adults and children with landscape and place through storytelling, art, workshops, promoting social and community cohesion and well-being through connection to place and walking as well as solidifying links with the focus on sustainable living already apparent in Todmorden and looking at changing narratives concerning human’s role and relation to nature at both a local and global level.
Community cohesion
Through shared narrative and local history- we will be recording and archiving oral folk history with a resource unit accessible to local and wider community, as well as presenting as part of a permanent exhibition of local folklore, customs and beliefs.
Storytelling
Using stories and metaphor to promote well-being, dealing with issues such as overcoming adversity, promoting equality and diversity, addressing social and cultural issues. Using storytelling to promote and develop ideas around sustainability and more environmentally friendly living. Developing curriculum linked learning opportunities for children outside the classroom, encouraging literacy as well as confidence and independence.
Workshops
Offering alternative learning with emphasis on imagination and creativity using art, drama, craft, storytelling, dance, music and land skills for adults and children, a space for others in the community to share skills.
Links to museums, academic institutions and other organisations nationally
Bringing an opportunity for sharing ideas, bringing knowledge, talks, exhibitions and events to Todmorden, providing best practice, linking Todmorden with a wider national network.
Research unit
Recognition for Todmorden as part of a wider network of an expanding body of work in the field of folklore, links to academics and universities nationally, benefits to community through an understanding of underlying concepts and how they feed into everyday contemporary living. Public access resources and workspace facilities will enable the wider community to access ideas as part of their own personal endeavours, research and arts practice.
We aim to engage like-minded people in a variety of folklore related activities, from research to storytelling, conferences to traditional craft workshops.
