Rochdale Crowned Greater Manchester's Town of Culture for 2025/26
Rochdale, UK – February 27, 2025 – Rochdale has been announced as Greater Manchester's Town of Culture for 2025/26, promising a year-long celebration of the borough's vibrant arts, cultural heritage, and the spirit of "people power." The exciting news was revealed today by Councillor Susan Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, during the Rochdale Borough Culture Network Conference held at the town hall.
The prestigious title, awarded annually by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), recognizes and shines a spotlight on the exceptional art, culture, and heritage thriving within one of Greater Manchester's towns. Rochdale's successful bid will see over 35 arts organizations collaborating to deliver an ambitious program of festivals, exhibitions, events, and performances, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.
Building upon Rochdale's rich cultural history, particularly its international significance as the birthplace of the co-operative movement, the year-long celebration will put the town's residents at the heart of the action. "People power" will be a central theme, with locals actively involved in planning, developing, and delivering a dynamic line-up of creative activities alongside major events.
Prepare for a whirlwind of cultural experiences including the Feel Good Family Picnic, an exciting new urban arts festival, the popular Street Eat food and drink festival, a captivating lantern parade, the Ignite Fire Festival, live music performances, a new people’s gallery, the Merhaba Halal food festival, and the vibrant Pride parade. And that's not all! Organizers are promising even more surprises, including major international collaborations, to be revealed in the coming months. To capture the essence of Rochdale during this special year, a Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate will be commissioned to create inspiring works.
Young people will also take center stage, with a young producer's scheme paving the way for Rochdale's first ever Youth Arts Festival in spring 2026.
The Town of Culture award comes with a £50,000 grant from the GMCA Culture Fund, which will further bolster the development of the program and its ability to offer new opportunities for residents and visitors. Kicking things off in style, an extended edition of the beloved Ignite Fire Festival will illuminate Rochdale Town Hall Square this autumn.
The Rochdale Town of Culture program will officially run from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Rochdale joins a prestigious list of past winners including Bury, Stalybridge, Stockport, and most recently Bolton. These towns have all successfully utilized the award to elevate their profiles and celebrate the diverse cultural offerings within their communities. As the home of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, who opened their first store on Toad Lane in 1844, Rochdale aims to showcase its pioneering past and exciting future as a beacon of culture in Greater Manchester.
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The prestigious title, awarded annually by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), recognizes and shines a spotlight on the exceptional art, culture, and heritage thriving within one of Greater Manchester's towns. Rochdale's successful bid will see over 35 arts organizations collaborating to deliver an ambitious program of festivals, exhibitions, events, and performances, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for residents and visitors alike.
Building upon Rochdale's rich cultural history, particularly its international significance as the birthplace of the co-operative movement, the year-long celebration will put the town's residents at the heart of the action. "People power" will be a central theme, with locals actively involved in planning, developing, and delivering a dynamic line-up of creative activities alongside major events.
Prepare for a whirlwind of cultural experiences including the Feel Good Family Picnic, an exciting new urban arts festival, the popular Street Eat food and drink festival, a captivating lantern parade, the Ignite Fire Festival, live music performances, a new people’s gallery, the Merhaba Halal food festival, and the vibrant Pride parade. And that's not all! Organizers are promising even more surprises, including major international collaborations, to be revealed in the coming months. To capture the essence of Rochdale during this special year, a Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate will be commissioned to create inspiring works.
Young people will also take center stage, with a young producer's scheme paving the way for Rochdale's first ever Youth Arts Festival in spring 2026.
The Town of Culture award comes with a £50,000 grant from the GMCA Culture Fund, which will further bolster the development of the program and its ability to offer new opportunities for residents and visitors. Kicking things off in style, an extended edition of the beloved Ignite Fire Festival will illuminate Rochdale Town Hall Square this autumn.
The Rochdale Town of Culture program will officially run from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Rochdale joins a prestigious list of past winners including Bury, Stalybridge, Stockport, and most recently Bolton. These towns have all successfully utilized the award to elevate their profiles and celebrate the diverse cultural offerings within their communities. As the home of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, who opened their first store on Toad Lane in 1844, Rochdale aims to showcase its pioneering past and exciting future as a beacon of culture in Greater Manchester.
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