What is the Wagon Train Finale? Inspired by the city's industry, the Salford Sioux, today's talent and its bright future, we're producing an outdoor extravaganza to remember, and we’d like you to be involved! Learn more about the event here.
It is part of Salford’s Centenary cultural programme. Find out more at Salford 100.
Once and once only, on the day the clocks go back: Sunday 25 October.
Arrive: 16:30 | Performance starts: 18:00 | Performance ends: 19:00
How can I get involved?
Everyone is welcome to come along and watch. We're also looking for adults of all ages and young people to take part in this large-scale community celebration. You can choose from the roles below.
Join a torchlit procession alongside community groups and residents from across Salford. We're looking for 100 torchbearers, one for each year of the Centenary.
You only need to be available on the performance day.
If you'd like to lead a group of torchbearers, you'll need to be free for a short walkthrough on Saturday 24 October, 5.45pm for 6pm start and will last up to two hours. Location is Seedley Pavilion.
Performance Day: Sunday 25 October, 4.45pm for 5pm start. Salford Centenary’s Wagon Train Finale at 6pm.
Stroll down for additional Torchbearer information.
Take part in the River of Light parade, carrying our remotely controlled, colour-changing Geolights. This role is open to all, including family groups.
You'll need to be available on the performance day and rehearsals.
Rehearsals: Friday 23 October, 4.45pm for 5pm start and finish at 7.30pm. Location is Seedley Pavilion.
Performance Day: Sunday 25 October, 4.45pm for 5pm start. Salford Centenary’s Wagon Train Finale at 6pm.
A flashmob moment where you might be carrying props or moving and dancing. This role is ideal for young people who enjoy dancing, performing or movement, and you'll be supported by our movement director, Chris Brown.
You'll need to be available on the performance day and rehearsals.
Rehearsals: Saturday 24 October, 5.45pm for 6pm start and finish at 8.30pm. Location is Seedley Pavilion.
Performance Day: Sunday 25 October, 4.45pm for 5pm start. Salford Centenary’s Wagon Train Finale at 6pm.
Be one of the first friendly faces people see. You'll welcome audiences, help them find their way and share information about the event.
You only need to be available on the performance day.
Performance Day: Sunday 25 October, 4.45pm for 5pm start. Salford Centenary’s Wagon Train Finale at 6pm.
Geolights Carriers
The chance to be part of a community cast in a large-scale outdoor production that only happens once a centenary!
Around 300 people in total.
Between 2,500 and 3,000, so please help us spread the word!
This is an unpaid, voluntary role. We can help with access, and refreshments will be provided.
It’s free, so please let people know just to turn up.
Not in full, but the event will be documented through photography and filming. By taking part, you may appear in photos or footage used to share and celebrate the event. If you'd prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please let us know when you sign up and we'll do our best to make sure you're not included.
Rehearsals and the performance will go ahead whatever the weather, so please dress to stay warm and dry. The performance area is all on paths, but please wear suitable footwear.
Parking for rehearsals and the performance is available at Salford Tesco Extra car park, Pendleton Way, M6 5JG. From there, it's a short walk to Seedley Park along Lower Seedley Road, crossing Fitzwarren Street and Langworthy Road.
We'll send participants the exact meeting point for rehearsals during rehearsal week.
Please fill in this form. If you're signing up as a group, you only need to complete the form once
Yes, please do!
To give us time to plan and keep everyone informed, please sign up by Sunday 11 October.
No. You don't need any previous experience for these roles.
If you have any questions about access for this event, please get in touch via jess@walktheplank.co.uk or complete this form.
Come along to one of our information sessions:
In person, Thursday 1 October, 1.30–3pm, Seedley Pavilion (part of Buile Hill Park), M5 5LY - Information session on taking part and access (open to all)
Online Zoom meeting (with live captioning), Tuesday 6 October, 6–7pm - Access overview
In person, Thursday 15 October, 4–5.30pm, Seedley Pavilion (part of Buile Hill Park), M5 5LY - Access site visit with Jess and Ben, for anyone who has signed up and would like a walkthrough.
I can’t make those, and/or would like to contact someone directly:
Please email ben.turner@walktheplank.co.uk or call 0161 736 8964.
The torches are made of wax, with a wooden handle and a card disc to protect your hand.
Each torch burns for up to around 50 minutes. Burn times vary, and wind can make them burn faster. We'll give you further guidance on the day depending on the weather.
The procession lasts around 10 minutes.
Stage Managers will check that all Torchbearers are wearing suitable clothing and feel fully informed and comfortable before the procession begins.
Torches will be lit in a barriered area in the park.
As the procession begins, you'll pass the lighting area, where Walk the Plank's Torch Team will be waiting.
Only the Torch Team will light and hand out torches.
Your torches will be lit at a designated barriered area in the park
As the procession commences, participants will pass a barriered lighting area where Walk the Plank’s Torch Team will be stationed.
Torches will be lit and distributed by Walk the Plank’s Torch Team only.
Please hold your torch at a 60-degree angle. The torches drip wax, and this helps reduce dripping.
The card disc protects your hand from dripping wax. Please don't lose it, as each torch only comes with one and there are no spares.
The procession will move across the park and through the audience.
You will be processing next to a large fire drawing; please be mindful and attentive to hazards and listen to torch leaders.
Keep at least 1.5m between you and the people in front and beside you.
Be aware of how close you are to the audience, especially if crowds are large.
Stage Managers and Fire Marshals will wear high-visibility jackets and carry steel buckets and gloves. They can put out any torch you no longer wish to carry or that has burnt down during the procession.
All Stage Managers will carry burn gel and fire blankets.
Stage Managers will be at the front of each group. If you're towards the back and need help, the Stage Manager leading the next group can assist or radio through to your own Stage Manager.
Fire Marshals will walk along the outside of the procession so they're easy to find.
Our experienced Torch Team will walk alongside the procession, keeping an eye on the safety of everyone taking part and watching.
They'll wear high-visibility jackets and carry first aid kits, fire blankets and steel buckets of water.
The procession will conclude further into the park near Seedley Pavilion, where all Torchbearers will be directed to a torch extinguishing point.
You must hand in your lit torch to the Walk the Plank team member, Fire Marshal or Stage Manager at this point. They will extinguish it for you.
Please stay in the formation unless told otherwise, and follow instructions given by your Stage Manager.
Once your torch has been handed over, you will be directed to the viewing area to enjoy the rest of the show.
Wax can drip, especially in the wind, so we recommend not wearing your best clothes or shoes.
Please wear sturdy footwear and avoid high heels.
If it rains, please don't bring an umbrella. Umbrellas can be a danger to people's eyes in a procession, block others' view and are a fire risk near torches.
You'll need to clearly see where you're going, your torch and the people around you.
Please tie long hair back and avoid large hats.
Check the weather forecast before you leave and dress to stay warm and dry.