Waterside Arts

Waterside Arts, based in the heart of Sale, is Trafford’s flagship arts venue and one of Greater Manchester’s most inclusive cultural spaces. Sitting beside the Bridgewater Canal, it’s home to two performance spaces, an art gallery, a cafe and countless workshops that connect artists and audiences from across the region.

The theatre programme is broad and diverse, spanning stand up, live music, family theatre, dance and spoken word. It’s particularly known for supporting new writing and experimental work, giving early career performers a stage to grow. Regular collaborations with organisations like Contact Theatre, HOME and Creative Industries Trafford make it a vital part of the North West’s creative ecosystem.

Waterside has long championed access and inclusion. It runs relaxed performances, creative workshops for neurodiverse audiences and visual art exhibitions exploring identity, place and belonging. LGBTQ+ artists frequently feature in its programme, from queer comedy nights and storytelling sessions to inclusive cabaret and independent film screenings.

The Gallery Bar, overlooking the canal, serves local coffee, cakes and light bites, creating a relaxed, friendly space to unwind before or after a show. Staff are welcoming and down to earth, and the atmosphere is as far from stuffy as you can get.

Waterside is more than an arts centre, it’s a true community anchor. Whether you’re catching a show, seeing local art or taking part in a creative writing class, it’s the kind of place that reminds you culture should always feel like home.